Newsletter

December 2011 Newsletter

Miracle of Prayer by Linda Sweeney

Christmas time brings to mind the miracles that God allows us to experience! Often I get so caught up in the "things" of Christmas I forget to look back at the mighty things God has done through answered prayers. I want to be much more intentional about not only looking for miracles but in remembering the ones He has brought about in my life. Throughout scripture God emphasizes remembering "lest ye forget."

I've shared before about the great miracle God did when He gave my granddaughter Katelin a new heart and how incredibly special she is in so many lives. Now I want to share how He gave my dad a new heart through spiritual surgery!

In brief, prior to God's operation, my dad was an unkind, harsh man. He and I "rubbed one another the wrong way" for as long as I can remember. Growing up under his stern hand wasn't fun and only got worse as I matured. He mellowed somewhat after I married (I think he was just so grateful that Ed came along and took me away!) and our relationship became peaceful.

I remember thinking throughout my life that although I knew God could do anything, He probably could not save my dad because he had such a hardened heart, and he wasn't interested in anything spiritual. In fact, he criticized me continually for my involvement in church. I had prayed and prayed but one day stopped asking so often. Then my dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given a short time to live. I remember too that I was teaching Jonah when I was called home to help out. All the way there I prayed and told God that like Jonah, I felt He was calling me to Nineveh, and just like Jonah, I didn't want to go!! However, I told Him I would speak to my dad rather than see him die without Christ but still doubted anything could happen. Thankfully, God has greatly grown my faith at this writing.

I asked my sister to send a minister from her church to speak to daddy and really quiz him because if asked the question "are you a Christian?" he'd say "yes!!" meaning "I go to church twice a year, am a US citizen and vote!" Also he'd never robbed a bank (that I know of). I had left Mother and Daddy alone for a while in his hospital room to give them some privacy. Upon my return, they were both crying (something I'd never seen before). It shocked me, and I thought more bad news had come from the doctor, instead my daddy had asked Jesus into his heart when the minister came to visit and he'd had a heart transplant. What an incredible answer to so many prayers over such a long, long time. In the days Daddy had left on this earth, he became the sweetest man. I am so grateful that God never gives up on us and that there's hope for everyone as long as there's breath in our bodies! My only regret is that I didn't get to have my "new daddy" with me longer. I was privileged to be with him when God took him into Jesus' presence, and what a celebration service we were able to share. Although it's been 18 Christmases since he left this earth, I remember it all like it was yesterday...sweet, sweet memories!

I share this so that you might never give up praying even for the seemingly "impossible," and that you remember our God can do anything because NOTHING is TOO DIFFICULT for Him! He says so Himself! Always hope and pray! Also know that though God may be calling you to be the answer to your prayers, He may allow someone else to bring about the miracle. I was so grateful for the sweet minister who came and led my dad into Heaven. May you rejoice in the miracles of Christmas all year long and never, ever forget!