Recently, it became necessary for me to have a diagnostic test to determine the cause of recurrent pain I’d been having.  For the past 30 years, I’ve worked in health care, so medical procedures don’t scare me … or, at least, they didn’t used to frighten me.

I presented to the clinic that was clearly branded – OPEN MRI.  Now, let me tell you, there was absolutely nothing “open” about that little cylinder they slid me into. It could have passed for an economy-sized toothpaste tube, and I had visions of being squirted out the end in a sweaty mass of emotional breakdown.

The sound started immediately … a pounding ka-thunk!  KA-THUNK!  With ear plugs in, I assumed the machine had begun its process, but with my increasing anxiety, I realized it was my heart clearly preparing to beat clear out of my non-metallic chest.  I was on the verge of screaming “LET ME OUT OF THIS THING!” when a quiet voice entered my spirit:  “Remember, there is power in the name of Jesus.”

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and began to utter the name in my mind that all creation speaks.  “JESUS! Jesus.” Almost immediately, my apprehension ceased and my heartbeat was replaced with the actual KA-THUNK of the machine. As I lay there, amazingly calmer, I began to pray.  Now let me tell you, after 35 minutes, there wasn’t a person I know who wasn’t “covered” in prayer and some people … twice!

I’d always known there was power in the name of Jesus, but to feel Him enter into my very being, immediately at the millisecond of my need, was nothing short of awesome!

Is. 26:3 is a scripture I keep at my desk – “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mine is stayed on you.” What’s neat about that passage is – it’s no longer a statement I just read.  Now, I know it to be a promise!

Oh, and by the way … a good friend advised me the next time I have to have an MRI, I should close my eyes and take a deep breath before I get slid into the chamber. Then, be still, close your eyes, and know.   You’re welcome!