March 11, 2009

Miracles

She died.

When I was about 8 or 9 years old, my mom had a friend that had cancer. It was the first time I was ever exposed to the disease that has stolen so many lives. I don't remember the lady's name, or even what she looked like. What I do remember is my mom praying for her healing. The kind of prayer that will take you to your knees, begging God to spare a life. I remember being so affected by the fervency in which my mom pleaded for a miracle. Her friend died. I began to doubt that God would heal just because someone asked Him to.


When I was 30 years old, we moved to Florida. I had a 2 year old and a 5 month old and I was a walking disaster. Many times my husband would come home from work to find me in tears on the couch. I was overwhelmed and desperately missed the life I had left behind. I prayed for a miracle and God led us to a church that changed our lives. Then we were uprooted again to move to Houston. I began to doubt that God really cared.


My good friend of 15 years has lost 7 babies through miscarriage. I was determined to "stand in the gap" for her when days were so dark, she didn't want to get out of bed. I encouraged her, prayed for her, and begged God to give her a child. She has never been able to carry a baby past 8 weeks of pregnancy. No miracle.


I am now 38 years old. Life has been challenging these last several months, but I have been steadfast in my faith, determined not to waiver. I knew we were entering into economic times that would rival what I had only read about in history books, but I just knew we were safe. Then Scot got laid off from his job and my faith is shaken for a moment, but I am determined to trust God until I receive my miracle.


But what if I don't?


I am not the only woman in my situation that is standing firm on the promises of God. I have learned, some people get the miracle and some don't. What if I'm a "don't" this time around?


My child, what is your definition of a miracle?


You see, your mom's friend came home to me many years ago. My miracle was in allowing you, a young, impressionable girl, watch your mother demonstrate the kind of faith that you were going to need yourself some day. My miracle was allowing your mom's friend to have a legacy that exceeded her expectations, a legacy that has brought many to my feet with hurting, questioning hearts, so I could tenderly reach down and heal them.


My miracle was in giving you a friendship with your pastor's wife in Florida that would sustain you through many hard times. I needed you to be there so Lisa could nuture you, pour My word into you, and love you, so you could be more effective to Me when I moved you to Houston. My miracle was being very present when your marriage was put to the test - pouring grace and mercy all over both of you. Your marriage is stronger today because of it, that's a miracle.


My miracle was taking extreme heartache in the loss of so many babies, and making it a part of our friend's testimony. My miracle is taking what satan meant for evil, to hurt and destroy, and turning it into good. My miracle is giving her and her husband twins to adopt, children I knew would need her to be their mom.


Wait in anticipation of a miracle, but you must remove your own earthly, narrow-minded expectations of what that miracle will look like. If only you could see your life like I see it, you would have no fear, only excitement for what is to come. Your miracle may not come in the form of an incredible new job or financial gain, but stand strong in your faith with eager anticipation and let Me show you what a miracle really is.

9 comments:

  1. Wow. What a powerful lesson. Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your friendship with the Father. It is a powerful ministry.

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  2. Wow- Keri- that is really moving and well said. NAd so true how "we" define what the miracle should look like and not realize how God works his wonders in our lives.

    It was a wonderful and refreshing post to wake up to this morning!

    Thank you.

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  3. Wow. I needed to hear this today. I think many people do in the face of these difficult economic times. Thank you for sharing.

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  4. Um can I have your autograph please?

    That was beautiful, and brought tears to my eyes. So true.

    Hang in there sweet friend, beautiful post.

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  5. I should never read your posts at work, because I'm sitting here in tears. Keri, your words are so true. I remember when Mom was diagnosed with cancer and did not get the miraculous healing I begged God for. But to see the impact that her journey has had on so many, and to see the changes in her own life -- these are, in their own right, miracles. I want life to be convenient and free of pain and sadness. But God wants us to know him, and he sets us on a journey with that end in mind.

    Enjoy the ride, Keri, even though it gets really scary at times. Just close your eyes and hang on tight!

    xxoo

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  6. Totally worth you staying up so late to write!! You are an amazing woman, Keri. God is using you in such a powerful way. He will never leave your side -- keep holding on to that!

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  7. Fantastic! Humbling. TRUTH. Well done my friend. Well done.

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  8. Am I allowed to comment twice?! I keep coming back to re-read this post. It's a privilege to see your heart poured out like this. These words are really powerful.

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  9. Thanks, Keri, for your honesty and for sharing your heart. I had no idea why I "stumbled" on to your blog tonight; my husband just got laid-off as well, so I find myself clinging to God's promises also and trusting Him for His will. These are crazy times. Thank you for encouraging me. I will be thinking of - and praying for - you.

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