HANDS ON MIRACLE

By Patti Iverson

Randy and Kandy (no kidding, real names!) were intellectuals attending night classes to further their education. Keith and I, the beloved spouses, held down the fort and did the church scene with our kiddos in tow.

One autumn evening, when the air was crisp and leaves of red ‘n yellow, orange and brown were falling down, Keith and I took his big old blue van to choir practice with our kids snuggled in car seats in the back. We were good friends as we’d sung in a bluegrass gospel group together for years. I sang melody and Keith was on the banjo. Randy said, “You all sound like a bunch of hicks.” We were so proud. Backwards compliments are great!

Eczema plagued my hands for the past five years. Creams ‘n potions, pills ‘n lotions never seemed to make the red, itchy, oozing spots go away. Prayer helped my attitude dealing with the problem and changed me, if not the circumstances. You’ve heard the phrase, “My attitude stinks but my gratitude don’t.” That’s me!

Keith pulled up in front of church, but didn’t get out of the car. He grabbed both my hands, saying, “Patti, have you prayed about this?” Well duh… Of course I’d begged God to take the hurt away and make my hands clear and normal. He said, “Well, we’re going to do it again right now. Dear Father God, You are our Great Physician. We trust You in faith to heal these hands that work for You. Make them clean and white as snow and smooth as marble. Thank You for loving Patti more than anybody ever could. We ask You for this miracle in the name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.” Then we bundled up our kiddos and trotted into the sanctuary to sing His praises. Not another word was mentioned regarding my sore, bandaged hands.

Next morning I felt it immediately. I got the miracle. No sores. My hands were clear and smooth. I thanked the Lord through my tears and sort of secretly did not believe it. Oh me, of little faith, with the proof right before my eyes! I showed my husband. Randy was overwhelmed in his strong, quiet manner. We both knew God is good.

I called my friend Kandy. Before I could get the words out of my mouth, she knew because Keith told her what he’d done last night and she was waiting for the good news, totally believing God would heal. “There is a small problem, though, Patti. Keith has rashes all over his hands. It’s awful, itches, and hurts him like crazy.”

This was 33 years ago. My hands now only show typical wrinkles and spots, the signs of aging. Eczema never returned. Keith and Kandy have long since divorced and left the Lord behind with their “old selves.” He gave up the banjo. I never gave up singing God’s praises, and Randy no longer says I sound like a “hick from the sticks.”

Patti Iverson writes from Medford, Oregon. randpi2@charter.net