A decade ago, our family learned that my mom had pancreatic cancer. That diagnosis is often accompanied by a very grim outlook, for good reason. We were plenty concerned and as time progressed, she had numerous treatments, then referrals to Johns Hopkins, and eventually surgery to remove her whole pancreas. Those were uncertain times. We prayed like never before, and were prayed for by so many. We were given a miracle, and my mom is alive and well today. God is soooo good!
You know what has happened in those 10 years since? Some days—-even strings of days, have gone by that I neglect to thank God for her recovery. That’s just so HUMAN of me. We go into a crisis, then emerge, forgetting the intensity and urgency of our prayers. Forgetting that Mimi could have been gone long ago. Life moves on, and we allow it to blur the goodness and mercy God has shown us.
She and I were chatting yesterday about the older grandkids getting older and possibly moving onwards from long-held traditions, like her yearly egg hunt. She said, “When I was very sick, the one thing I prayed for was that I could see my grandkids grow up. It’s okay that they are.” And yes, it is okay! She is here- hallelujah!
But, if I can tie this conversation in to tomorrow— Easter- let the analogy be clear.
As you and I walk this Christian life, let not the goodness and mercy of God be lost in our very hurried, busied, distracted days. In everyone’s lives, I like to think we will all have a few trials and a few triumphs. We just need to be sure to revisit the times where God blessed, answered prayers, or even provided a miracle. Perhaps on the days when life is heavy or just mundane, thanking the Lord for his provisions in the past is what can spur you on to tomorrow.
Christ’s crucifixion & resurrection still is the world’s greatest victory, and YOUR ultimate triumph. It was His most loving act of mercy, His most powerful blessing yet. Would you put yourself to death for your neighbor? Your best friend? Your rival? Jesus did. He knew the depth of our sins, and still wanted us to be with Him for eternity.
This REAL event, can grow to be undervalued, especially if you have heard it hundreds of times. Just like Mimi’s miracle, it’s worth thinking on over and over.
Many often quote John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. So that whosoever should believe in him will not perish but have eternal life.” But the next verse is so precious, and just as monumental…. John 3:17 reads, “For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior.“ God sent Jesus because of LOVE, not condemnation.
Forget not all the miracles of God. Celebrate His goodness often! Jesus’ ultimate triumph over death is yours as well. Happy Easter, friends! ✝️
Dear Lord, give us reminders to praise you for your goodness. Your love is evident in so many ways when we stop and remember all you have worked out in our favor. Give us time to contemplate the risen Christ, our greatest triumph. Amen.
