“You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you might find, you get what you need.” ~MICK JAGGER

I. MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!

My brother is a seminary graduate, a pastor, a former Navy Chaplain, and a disabled veteran.  While serving in the Gulf War he experienced a severe back injury, leaving him in constant pain. 

Not only that, he’s a Stage 4 kidney cancer survivor. All of this suffering in one body! He’s known more pain than most people can imagine. His story is even more important to me because he’s my little brother!  I adored him from his birth, and I watched him grow up to become a a humble servant of Christ. 

For years I’ve prayed diligently for his healing! A tumor was discovered in his lung years after his kidney was removed, and he was then diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer. He was taking medications that caused him to suffer constantly; his hands were so painfully blistered that he was forced to wear cotton gloves all the time. His feet were covered with blisters as well, and eventually he was forced to quit his job because he couldn’t even walk! And so I prayed that somehow, in His mercy, God would miraculously heal my brother and free him from his pain and suffering.

Well, within the last few years GOD has answered my prayer! 

My brother now has a clean bill of health ~ no kidding! 

He no longer takes the medication that crippled him. His oncologists tell him they know of no other patient who has survived Stage 4 kidney cancer this long! In fact they are AMAZED at what God has done for him.

God has performed a miracle. But miracles are SO rare. And why is my brother healthy, while others are not? We often wonder, Why do some heal, while others continue to suffer? Is there any answer to the “WHY?” Can there be? Why does someone succumb to a disease, while others live? Why are some taken, while others survive? Why are your prayers answered, yet mine aren’t? Or vice versa?

II. GOD HAS A HIGHER PLAN

As a believer in Christ, I’ve searched for answers to the “why’s” for years. Recently in a Bible study class, my teacher pointed out that if God hasn’t responded with the answer we as believers seek, it’s probably because He wants to change US. Yes, that’s what she said.

God want to change US! US~ the folks who are praying, with tearful eyes, on calloused knees! That’s not the answer that we necessarily want to hear! We pray for a miracle, and we WANT a miracle! We NEED a miracle! We trust and BELIEVE God for a miracle. And what about that individual who is ill? What about his or her prayers?

While listening to my teacher, I was reminded that God’s thoughts are higher than ours, His ways higher than ours, His plans unsearchable, His purpose unquestionable. And yet…

Over the years, spending hours in the waiting room with Christ (literally, as you may remember) I’ve been changed by the experience. Whereas I was frightened and panicky in the beginning, my entire perspective has been transformed by the Lord over time. I’ve come to a new place of joy and contentment while in the presence of Christ, as we take this journey together. I’ve found that while I’m waiting, I can be at peace, because I’m happy just to be in the Presence of the Creator of the universe, Jesus Himself.  He is my constant Companion as I wait on the answers to my prayers. He is delighted by the praise and worship that I offer Him as I wait. The Holy Spirit within me is my Comforter, to constantly remind me that I am His. And I accept that I will stay in the waiting room as long as necessary, until God accomplishes His purpose in me.

III. SO THEN, I CAN ABANDON MYSELF TO HIM!

Do you think this is too simplistic? I don’t speak these things lightly. If I didn’t know Christ as my Savior, I really wouldn’t be able to see any purpose or positive outcome to the hours ~ the years ~ of waiting. Especially under such painful and frightening circumstances.

As a believer, I’ve spent years in prayer and worship while waiting on God. I’m waiting on Him still. This morning I prayed again for my brother and his family. I prayed for the needs of so many who are in need of the Master’s Touch. I prayed about my husband’s near blindness, which began this new and blessed life for me four years ago in the waiting room. And as I prayed I was reminded of these truths:

“THE LORD CONFIDES IN THOSE WHO FEAR HIM;

HE MAKES HIS COVENANT KNOWN TO THEM.” ~PSALM 25:14

God is teaching me. I am in His school as I wait on Him. He is molding and changing me, and He is confiding in me as I learn more of His ways. His desire is not to reveal every answer necessarily, but He wants to continue molding me to become more like Him.

Not only that, but He is revealing His Covenant. His Covenant, of course, refers to His everlasting, unfailing promise to me that He will never leave me nor forsake me. He has promised life eternal and all the good gifts that accompany that magnificent future! When God makes an agreement, He keeps it!

“For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son.” Romans 8:28-29

Okay, Lord, I know this is true because you said it. And whether healing occurs or not, I will follow you in quiet trust and complete abandonment to your purpose for my life and that of my loved ones! I know You will continue to show and teach me what You would have me to know, and I can trust you completely!

I can fully trust You, and as I’m waiting quietly You’re restoring my soul, reviving my spirit.

“In quietness and trust is your strength.” Isaiah 30:15

He holds me ~ and all of my loved ones who know Him ~ securely and safely, near to His dear breast. We are forever His, because GOD cannot lie! Just like that little lamb, He forever caresses us with a love that knows no bounds. 

What assurance could be better than that? What freedom is ours! Why, there is such joy and satisfaction in knowing that we are His! And that we can rest on His provision for our future.

My prayer:

Lord, we love YOU!! We thank you for all your blessings upon us! Please help us today to remember your everlasting, unfailing covenant with us. Thank you for the joy that fills our hearts because our sins are forgiven and we’re assured of a heavenly home with you! We know in our hearts that we can rely on you for our every today, our every tomorrow!

May our hearts be uplifted and comforted while we are waiting on you, knowing that your purposes are being fulfilled.  We pray today for all of those who need you the most, Lord! Draw them ever closer to your heart, Lord. Bless them today. In Jesus’ precious Name, Amen.

THANK YOU, my friend, for reading this!

Until next time, I’m here for you! And I continue to be 

Amazed by His love!