A Goldilocks Life

Miracles

John the Baptist was imprisoned, and he sent a message to Jesus asking if He was the one who was to come. Jesus’ reply is found in Matthew chapter 11:4-5 “Jesus told them, ‘Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.’” Perhaps John was struggling in his faith. The Savior hadn’t rescued him from prison, and perhaps John needed assurance. Every true believer may still experience a mixture of faith and doubt when facing trials. Or maybe John wanted his disciples to hear from Jesus to be sure that He was “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

Imagine the encouragement to John’s heart when he heard that Jesus’ ministry and miracles were continuing. People were being healed of every sort of illness. Blind people could see. The dead were raised to life, for goodness’ sake! What a Savior!

Matthew Henry’s commentary on this passage contains this powerful statement: “None but the God of nature could thus overrule and outdo the power of nature.” To heal the sick and raise the dead are the works of God by the words of Jesus Christ, His Son. We serve an awesome God.

Forty years ago, God did a miracle in my life by opening my blind eyes and unplugging my deaf ears to see, hear, and believe that Jesus saves. I am forever grateful for God’s forgiveness and promise of eternity with Him. John chapter 3, verse 16 says, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” Has Jesus done a miracle in your life? Please reply, I’d love to read about it.

Spiritual Robbery

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels.com

My planner held the usual penciled words for Monday: Cleaning and laundry. By early morning the clothes swished around in the suds. Karl & Crew morning radio kept me company as I did my work-out. The phone rang. A bit early, I thought. The caller ID read Ray. “Hi, Buddy,” I said. “I can’t go to work today,” my son said in a voice sounding stuffier and scratchier than usual. “How long have you been sick?” I asked, and he told me that his throat started hurting the day before.

Being mom to a special-needs son adds responsibilities. There’s another layer of concern since he doesn’t live with us. I asked Ray if he wanted an appointment with his doctor. He agreed, and I told him I’d call him back. There go my plans for catching up on housework, I thought. After being out of town the week before, I had hoped to concentrate on my to-do list.

I tapped my pencil impatiently as I sat on hold for an appointment, more precious time passing. Finally learning of an opening early in the afternoon, I rushed to finish my exercises and devotions that followed. I felt put out that my routine was interrupted. My prayer time seemed hurried.

The physician’s assistant found no fever or serious throat problem. We ran to the pharmacy for some over-the-counter remedies she recommended. The store didn’t stock the needed items, so another stop was added. By the time we headed back to Ray’s apartment and got him settled, the day was nearly gone. I felt tired and frustrated.

During the drive home, I recalled part of Pastor’s sermon the day before. He challenged us to notice when hard things rob us of our joy this week. I thought, I just got robbed. He suggested that we needn’t wring our hands about circumstances. The daily problems we face are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).

The rest of the ride, I focused on what went right about the day instead of chores I didn’t get accomplished. I thanked God for my son, that his illness wasn’t serious, and for the PA who showed sincere concern for him. I prayed for healing. And I asked God’s forgiveness that I allowed events to upset me. By the time I arrived home, I felt more at ease.

A planner is an indispensable tool for being where we need to be and managing daily tasks. When plans change, though, God reminds us that He is in control. Proverbs 16:9 says, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Let’s not allow our dependence on schedules to steal our joy in simply trusting God.

That’s My Dad

A recent interview with Anne Graham Lotz on Moody Radio surprised me. She shared that her father, evangelist Billy Graham admitted that he wasn’t the most present of dads due to his call to share the love of Jesus Christ around the world. Yet Lotz said she’d rather have him than any other dad. His love for God and his family was undeniable.

With seven brothers and sisters, I never felt lonely. Of course, it wasn’t always easy getting into the bathroom when I wanted to, but I barely remember that hurting me in the least. I sure had fun growing up because of Dad. After bath time, he would play Button Button with us on the basement stairs, and in summertime we enjoyed games like Kick the Can that Dad taught all of us including the neighbor kids. At Christmas, Dad pulled out his guitar and sat on the living room floor strumming and singing carols, and we all sang along as loud as we liked. One unusual afternoon, Mom sent Dad and me shopping for shoes. I came home wearing fancy black ones with clicky heels. I imagine Mom didn’t approve, but I wore them the whole school year. That’s my dad.

Since Dad wasn’t uber famous I would never expect to be interviewed about him. But like Ms. Lotz, I wouldn’t trade my dad for any other.

Happy Father’s Day to all you dads out there. Take time to remember your dad if he’s gone like mine is. If he’s still with you, I hope you spend precious time together.