Are We Missing Our Miracles?

Miracle (n.) a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency.  I always have to look at a word’s definition to make sure I have a true concept of it’s meaning.  Miracles are something that can be overlooked easily in our busy lives.  I intend to have you think differently about miracles today.

I am confident that we all take miracles too lightly and begin to think of them as just part of life and are expected.  For example, waking up every morning and taking a deep breath is a miracle.  Think about it; God created our bodies as miraculous wonders.  How does the brain know to think?  How does the heart know to beat?  How do our eyes know how to focus and see?  I could go on and on just on the body alone.  Our bodies are miracles wrapped in the skin!

I know that a simple cut on my finger may be a quick and simple wound but it’s more than that.  Once I wasn’t paying attention when removing a can lid and oops I cut myself.  My body instantly sends out a message to rush platelets to the wound to form a clot and stop bleeding.  White blood cells rush in to prevent infection as red blood cells arrive to build new tissue and heal the wound.  The amazing thing is this miraculously happens without much thought, besides of course saying, “Ouch!”.

I know that is a very simple example of something miraculous that we take for granted and we overlook except when we bump that wound and are reminded of the pain.  Let’s look at other miracles God has blessed my family with.

Over the past 5 years, I have asked God to perform miracles for my family.  We have had three major cancer diagnoses that would require much prayer and trust in God for miracles.  If you have read some of my blogs you know the specifics of these cases.

So five years ago; a family member was diagnosed with bladder cancer.   My family member was told they would have to have their bladder removed immediately and the quality of life may not be optimal.  This was not an acceptable answer to my family so the one diagnosed chose to seek a second opinion at MD Anderson.

After arriving at the cancer center and completing many tests the doctors said there was no need to remove the bladder but to remove the whole bladder.  They said the plan would be to remove the spot (tumor)  from the bladder, start immunotherapy and scan the whole body every three to six months to watch for cancer to reappear.  It has been five years with no reoccurrence.  Truly a miracle.

Another family member eighteen months ago was diagnosed with melanoma cancer.  Again, we were told this was a very aggressive cancer and had a guarded prognosis.  This family member went to MD Anderson as well and was told that surgery, some staging, and immunotherapy would need to be done and that was scheduled immediately. The family member followed up with all the monitoring scans and treatment. Two weeks ago the scans were done as part of the follow-up and she still remains clear of cancer after that original surgery and treatment.  Truly a miracle.

Lastly, two weeks ago a family member was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Oh no, here we go again.  I sobbed for a period of time but then wiped my eyes and looked up toward my Heavenly Father.  “Father,” I prayed, “We have been sitting together discussing cancer before.  But again I ask for your guidance and if it is Your Will then another miracle would be appreciated.  I trust You Father and stand in faith.”.   I released the prayer and took a deep breath.  A peace came over me.

Luke 18:27 Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.

The original doctor was very guarded about the prognosis to the point of being depressing.  He thought it was a very rare cancer and he had only seen five cases and was not encouraged about the outcome but more scans were needed for the oncologist to make a decision about treatment.

In the past two weeks, follow up scans and discussions with an oncologist have been completed. The tumor seems to be one that can offer a surgical removal option after a stint of chemotherapy as well as no metastasis was seen.  The chemo and even the surgery could be done near my family member because of their location to UT Southwestern and the advances and success they have shown in pancreatic cancer treatments.  Now, this isn’t an easy journey by any means but our heads are now held higher than before.   This also turned into another blessing and in my opinion, a miracle from God!  The miracle is not complete healing as you may expect but positive means to treat this cancer.  Complete healing will come later down the road like happened in the other cases.

God has blessed each of us with our own miraculous body.  We will get sick and injured but we have a miracle to live in.  A body that has many systems, cells, and functions that work in sync without our conscious guidance.  It is the temple for the Holy Spirit.  He is always working in us not only to have a grateful and loving spirit but to also heal and comfort us.  We need to tune into Him within us when we need a miracle no matter what type.

I do want to talk about as I stand in my faith for Our Father to handle issues, I also practice gratitude in the situation.  Let me explain this.

When the family member was diagnosed this last time, I thanked God for allowing me to have this family member in my life for as long as I had.  I didn’t want a negative outcome but if it wasn’t the answer we had prayed for then I wanted God to know I was still grateful.  I shared that I was grateful that the family member was strong enough to travel to MD Anderson and had the financial means to go.  I was grateful he still has their spouse to lean on.  I was grateful that I was able to talk end of life with them and see that they were comforted by God’s will but would do everything medically that was needed for success.  I was grateful that I could share small crosses made of soapstone for his family to hold and comfort them if they became anxious (pictured above).  I was grateful God had brought us through this two other times and we knew God is good.

 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I’m not sure what miracle you are needing today but I am praying you to receive it.  Our Heavenly Father loves us and grants miracles no matter where you are in your journey.  Remember to ask, believe, and receive.  My love and gratitude-LoLo

Matthew 7:7-8Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.