From this passage of scripture and the devotion, the kids and I talked a lot about how our obedience ushers us to a more intimate walk with the Lord and, at times, He will even give us the gift of seeing His miracles first hand and thereby knowing Him more deeply. He gives us hearts and eyes to see His wonderful deeds all around us. This truth really impacted their young hearts. “They saw the works of the LORD, His wonderful deeds…” Psalm 107:24
Just like the servants at the wedding feast in Cana, we, His servants, were chosen to know, believe and understand Him. “You are…My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He.” Isaiah 43:10
Yesterday morning as the cherubs were getting ready for school, Gabrielle followed instructions well and I commended her on her obedience with some encouraging words. She replied with hope: “I was obedient, Mom. Will I get to see a miracle today?”
Dropping the lunch boxes I was packing, I went over and kissed her noggin. “Mom, do I get to pick a miracle to see? Because if I could pick a miracle, I would pick for Daddy’s uncle to be healed of cancer.”
Tears streamed down my cheeks. Cancer. Our children’s first (and prayerfully last) reality of a family member having life-threatening cancer. Gabrielle’s caring heart wants to pick the miracle of healing for her great uncle.
This past Sunday, we visited Jim’s uncle who was diagnosed with cancer just two short months ago. The cancer has progressed terribly fast, and the prognosis is not good. Because he is undergoing aggressive treatments, we prepared the children during the car ride that his physical appearance has changed, that he wouldn’t have a lot of energy and may not be able to speak well.
In truth, Jim’s uncle’s condition is worse than we wanted to expect. It was a tearful and emotional visit. Gabrielle sobbed and buried her sweet head in my side much of the time. Her heart was broken for her great uncle. Joshua kept a strong, respectful and hopeful posture during the visit, but inside his heart was aching, too. Jim read John 3 to his uncle. We held hands with Jim’s uncle, knelt and prayed for him.
The harsh reality of human mortality is penetrating our lives within our extended family. It’s a painful journey, but one from which we can’t protect our children at this age. Rather, we have the responsibility and honor of equipping them. With God’s wisdom and grace, we are opening His Word with them and reminding them of His mercy, His compassion, His unmatched love, His everlasting life and ultimate healing in Him. “I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.”
We are praying for Jim’s uncle. Indeed, we have been and will continue to pray for a healing of the cancer.
Truth is, Gabrielle’s sweet petition of belief, faith and hope to the Lord reflects all of our hearts. The miracle of healing is our family’s daily prayer and personal choice of miracles God can do. If we could pick a miracle right now, it would be for God to heal right here on earth those we love who have cancer or a chronic illness. We would choose for our hearts and eyes to see those we love so dearly whose lives are touched with physical infirmities to be healed and perfectly healthy in every way. We would pick the miracle of healing.
For His glory and so that many would believe.
If you could pick a miracle today, what would you pick?
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of His splendor.”
Isaiah 61:1-3
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
So beautiful! And a beautiful lesson for your children…out of the ashes…or cancer as it may be, your heart saw the fruit of teaching that is blessing them so deeply.
Thank you for sharing and for enriching your children in Him and His word that they will not only believe in miracles, they will look for them daily!
Love,
Heather
WOW! thank you for sharing this tender story.
We are dealing with cancer too, however my father-in-law's is a slow growing cancer. My kids hear the "c" word daily and it is never easy to deal with, no matter how old you are.
prayers for your family.