What We All Have in Common

I've been thinking a lot this past year about 3 men that many are familiar with. But though I knew their stories well, I saw them differently this time around. First is Naaman, then Elijah, then Simon Peter. 

There is so much I have known about the story of Naaman. How he was a celebrated leader, was asked to do something easy, was angry, did it anyway, and was cleansed. It's all beautiful. So many great lessons. But one of the first things that came to mind this time was, what if those with cancer had to leave their families and go live together in their sickness? I realized that it didn't matter how great of a leader he was, how rich and powerful he was, how much the king loved him, or what he had accomplished. He had leprosy. And if that didn't change, his whole world would. Regardless of his accomplishments and wealth, he would be a leper. That's it. His future would have changed dramatically.

Then there's Elijah. This year when we learned about Elijah was the first time I realized his experience with the still, small voice came after he brought fire down on the alter from heaven. He literally performed one of the most discussed miracles in the bible. It's almost funny how hard the priests of Baal worked to get an answer, and Elijah not only got an answer, but he flooded the alter with water so the only fire that could be lit had to come from God. But after all that, he still felt alone and he left, prepared to die. He KNEW God was part of his plan. He'd watched it. He'd provided a miracle. And he still doubted the Lord's ability to save him from the wrath of the queen. So God came and showed him, and reminded him that his answers are often quiet, and maybe not as grandiose as a fire from heaven.

Lastly of course, is Simon Peter. Again, I am very familiar with his story, and the story of him jumping out of the boat to walk on the water. But right now I am also very aware that the world is loud. Medically, I know my odds. They are not good. In fact, they are pretty terrible. Scientifically, I know how cancer works in the body and especially in the brain. And it's scary to defy that when the odds seem to be against me. But God is not. And as he asks me to proverbially walk on water, I am reminded that Peter was a fisherman. He worked on the sea every day. So he was very familiar with the water, the sea, the tide, the ups and downs of a life working in that environment. So how big must the waves have been to scare him? How hard must the wind have been blowing? He was ALREADY walking on the water. But as he looked around and could see what was closing in on him, he forgot that he was already doing it and that Jesus was with him. He just remembered that the sea was dangerous, and that's what he saw around him. I don't pretend to know what was happening that night. I just know that thought reminds me just how loud our fear can be when we are trying to listen to that still small voice. 

I couldn't sleep last night as I thought about these 3 men. And what do they all have in common in my story? First is trust. Trusting God is as good as He promises He is, and trusting His plan for us individually. Not every leper was healed, but the Lord had more for Naaman to do. Elijah and Simon Peter both had missions and the Lord helped them get through their hard and learn to trust.

Second, all of these men had their doubts about their own circumstances. Naaman thought surely there should be a more grand expectation of him. Elijah thought his miracles were done and there was nothing left. And Peter saw the greatness of the sea, and forgot the greatness that had literally allowed him to do something impossible.

I have seen God work the impossible. My mom was on the ECMO (Heart/lung) machine to keep her alive. She was on it until the very last day the nurses said someone could "safely" be on the ECMO. She was in the hospital for 3 months because her journey wasn't about an immediate miracle. But she came home. She healed. And I know that wasn't just good medicine. Over and over as I watched her journey I saw God's hand. At one point a doctor told my dad that they needed everything to go right and nothing to go wrong because she was still very sick. Things definitely went wrong. But she is healthy and thriving because her journey wasn't over.

My aunt was on life support and everyone had given up on her. Two months later she was at Disney World visiting us. And honestly, I have never seen anyone so bright-eyed and bushy tailed after days at Disney. You would never have known the journey she had been on just a few months before.

 

Those are just the miracles I've seen on my own journey. I also know that I shouldn't still be alive if it weren't for miracles. I probably wouldn't have made it through the first night we called the ER if our good friend hadn't been in the right place at the right time to get us the help we needed. And to know how dire my circumstances were.

We've also all seen the miracles that come when we don't get the answer we're hoping for. Or the tragedy. Sometimes it's hard to not get what we think we want. Though honestly, I've learned that I don't think staying is the miracle. I think where we will all go is a MUCH happier place. But I want to be here with all those I love. I want to share the journey--the good and the hard--with them. And I want to do His will. I believe with all my heart in His plan. So I will keep looking to Him and walking on the water if that's what He wants. It's not easy. But I'll keep working at it. 

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior

Song by Hillsong United