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The Gift That Keeps on Giving By Michelle Grovak Most of us, at one time or another in our lives, have experienced an event considered a miracle. Whether we believe or not, miracles are a gift from God which carry meaning throughout the rest of our lives.
nly our Father knows how many miracles He performs on a daily basis. He works miracles in our lives to deliver us from peril. Sometimes a miracle strengthens our faith. And, very often, a miracle is an answer to an impassioned prayer for help. Miracles can turn a life-threatening situation into a reason to celebrate God's goodness and mercy.
Personal miracles How many people have been inspired by the miracles of Jesus? The book of Matthew explains how His touch healed Peter's mother-in-law who was bedridden because of a high fever (Matthew 8:14-15). As soon as Jesus touched her, she climbed out of bed and cared for the people there. This event reminds me of a healing in my own life. Joel was just a newborn 23 years ago. I was home caring for him one day when suddenly I became ill with a 104-degree fever. I experienced a burning pain in the right side of my lower abdomen. It was what they used to call "childbed fever." All I could do was lie in bed and hold Joel close to me. Then, I realized my body heat was causing his to rise also. When our minister arrived, I was delirious. I was sobbing. After he anointed me and prayed for my healing, I said, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief" (Mark 9:24). The minister then advised us to get to the hospital fast and left. Within fifteen minutes after being anointed, my fever and all pain disappeared. Truly it was the gift that keeps on giving as I look back on that wonderful healing. When I remember that day, it reminds me of God's personal love and caring for me.
Not all miracles are quite as spectacular. Many miracles are quiet ones. Some, the unbelieving might call coincidences. I prefer to call them God-incidences. They are mini miracles that quietly say, "Yes, you are going on the right path." "I have blessed this undertaking" On our first anniversary, Michael and I returned to where we had honeymooned in Saugatuck, Michigan. We were browsing in a quaint shop we had visited the year before. It was our anniversary day, June 28. We were looking for a gift for each other fitting to mark our first year. (May I back up for a minute to say that Aimee Zahora performed "Pachelbel's Canon" as the processional at our wedding. For a couple of years, each time my sweet husband would hear the notes of that song, his eyes would moisten with tears.) Back at the gift store, as we were searching out the perfect keepsake, we were delighted to hear "Pachelbel's Canon" begin to play in the store. He looked at me. I looked at him. The sound effects seemed just like a musical production on the silver screen! Was it simply a coincidence that this music began after we entered this store on our anniversary? Well, maybe. We were convinced otherwise when Michael looked at his watch. To the minute, it was the same time Aimee had begun playing the music on the piano at our wedding a year ago. We know that was our Father's way of saying, "I have blessed this undertaking." Our family has been through a lot in the past five years. Sometimes it's good to reach back and relive that musical moment God orchestrated for us.
One Sabbath we decided to take a family walk. I explained that since this was his business, he should not be picking up cans on the Sabbath. I told Joel that God would bless him if he honored the Sabbath. Little did I know how closely God was listening. After about three quarters of a mile, we had branched off and were walking up a hill that would take you to Westville if you walked several miles. It was the nearest town of about 2,000 people. I noted that Joel was looking at cans along the road but not reaching for them. Suddenly, he jumped and yelled excitedly. There along the road in plain view lay a brand-new dollar bill. Upon closer inspection, we realized it was a $20 bill. No one will ever convince me this was just a coincidence. The $20 was long ago spent on childish whims. But the $20 miracle keeps on giving as a reminder to honor God's Sabbath.
Additional reading Miracles truly are a gift from our loving God. Be sure to request your free copy of . And if you'd like to learn more about the Sabbath, be sure to request . Copyright 2004 by United Church of God, an International Association All rights reserved. |
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Other Articles by Michelle Grovak
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Keywords: miracles healing God's help
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