So I was thinking today about miracles. I know many miracles were performed back in the Biblical days and I've heard many awesome stories from people who believe they have experienced a miracle... Do miracles happen today? I think so...I am in a circumstance right now that is unexpected and has me thinking about miracles. It does not directly involve me, but it does directly affect me. I have found myself asking the question "why?". Do you ever ask that when you are given a curve ball in life? How do we handle the unexpected? Do we fall apart or stand firm?
My first inclination is fear...worry...anxiety (I'm so not proud of that!) When things go differently than I expected, I find myself wondering "why?" For me personally, I could not get through tough situations without the power of prayer and knowledge of God's power. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not own your own understanding; in ALL your ways acknowledge Him, and He will guide your paths". God is gonna guide ME? You better believe He is...and thank goodness; sometimes I need a little nudge back on the right path! Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future". Thank goodness for this verse...I love it!
So back to miracles. What is a miracle? That someone be healed from a sickness or disease? That one's bank account be tripled? A broken relationship that is mended? An "A" on an exam you didn't study for? A promotion at the job when you expected to be fired? Your husband finally does the dishes without you asking? (ha, ha...that's a JOKE!) I've been praying for a specific request and asking God for a miracle. I've prayed about it numerous times...but know I could be doing better. I believe that miracles can happen beyond a shadow of a doubt...that healing can occur no matter what. These things can happen, but here's the kicker...it will happen IF IT'S GOD'S WILL.
I learned a valuable lesson this week that I know came from the good Lord above. It involved miracles, timing and His will. He taught me that His will and my will are different and His timing can also be different from mine. So how do we understand God's will? Let's go to the scripture! If we allow Him, "God will transform us into a new person by changing the way we think. Then we will learn to know God’s will for us, which is good and pleasing and perfect"(Romans 12:2). Basically, this verse tells me that God's will is perfect! Not my will (although sometimes I beg to differ with God!), but HIS will. Even Jesus, our perfect example, yearned and struggled with God's will. In the Garden of Gethsemane hours before his arrest, Jesus fell face down and prayed "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will (Matthew 26:38, 39).
I strive to follow the example of Jesus by seeking God's will in tough circumstances...the curve balls...the bends in the road and even the dead ends. Sometimes, I fail miserably! Thankfully we have the grace and mercy that tenderly lifts up back up. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work for the good of those who love Him..." I know that God answers prayer. And I now understand that He answers it in His way, His timing and His will. Now it's up to me to have Faith like a mustard seed...and watch God unveil His power and Faithfulness.
Goodnight! With Love, Stefanie
Oh my goodness my dear daughter! What a beautiful writing and expression of your love and trust in God! You are such a strength and encouragement and source of joy to your daddy and I! We have no greater joy than to see our children walk in truth! (III John v4) Thank you for sharing your heart and being such a blessing to us and others! Love you so much, Mom
ReplyDeleteStefanie, thank you for sharing what was on your heart because it has touched mine! On days like today when Evan is very sick, which unfortuntly is often,I often find myself asking God why. Why cant he heal my precious son now and spare him the pain he goes through..I mean I know he can but why doesnt he? Since I was in middle school, my life verse has been Jeremiah 29:11, and little did I know then how important it would be to me now. God does not allow these things to happen to His children to harm them but to teach us and ultimatly bring us closer to Him! Who am I to question what is God's perfect plan for my life and for my family? Even though there are many days that I still wonder why, like you said I need to have faith like a mustard seed that God is using us and Evan in His beautiful plan and hopefully touching others as well! Thank you for these words of encouragement, Love you! love, Traci
ReplyDeleteTraci, your beautiful words have touched me! Your life and love for your family inspires me every day! You are an AMAZING woman of GOD and I'm thankful to call you my friend and sister! I don't understand God's reasoning...I wish it were easier and we were struck with an idea or thought that could explain lives roller coasters...I just need to remember Romans 12:2..I will pray for that verse to take hold of your life and to give you wisdom and understanding. We can hold each other accountable (in regards to that verse) because we must ask God to transform us so that we might learn and know His will for us. Thank you for your words of encouragement...you bless me! Love you!
ReplyDeleteSweet Mom, I treasure the way you have raised me and Kait in the Lord. I am what I am today because of you and dad's direction, instruction and love. Thank you for YOUR faith and living it in every aspect of your life. You are the happiest person I know and so full of joy! I want to be like you! love you so much, Stefanie
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