There was this 17 year old boy. Easy going, friendly, fun to be around and, a Christian. One December day while at school, he was rehearsing with some classmates when he suddenly lost all function of the left side of his body. He slumped against the chalkboard and slid helplessly down the wall. As he lay there on the floor, looking up in terror, he realized he was completely paralyzed on the left side of his body.
He was rushed to the hospital where it was determined that he suffered an arteriovenous malformation. The layman's explanation- a weak group of blood vessels had ruptured in his brain. The initial pronunciation from an ER doctor was that his case was hopeless and that the young man's family should come to say their final farewells.
Acceptance of this prognosis was simply not an option. Thankfully, a second opinion revealed that surgery would be required, but he'd have to be moved to a more capable facility.
He was taken to renowned CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia). The risk involved in surgery was considerable, but there were no other options. After two surgeries to repair the damage to his brain, the young man pulled through. Initially, doctors believed he would never walk again. Even after the surgery was deemed a success, it was unclear if he would function properly. He still could not move the left side of his body.
On Christmas Eve night, one week after his surgery, the young man finally moved one finger on his left hand. It was a strange, unbelievable triumph. It took months of intensive physical therapy but with a lot of excruciating work, the young man was able to walk- even run again. The only permanent hindrance to his mobility was a dropped ankle which caused a mild limp.
This young man's mother was what you might call a prayer warrior. Clearly, it was not an easy time for the family and as you well know, even those who have admirable faith can be tested beyond the breaking point. She prayed. She had others pray. She prayed some more. Not long after the young man recovered, she took him along with her to church. The congregation had been praying for him the entire time, and now, he returned to worship. They all knew his story and rejoiced in his being there. He wore a bandanna to cover the scar that traced from one side of his skull to the other, but there he was, sitting in church, where folks had been praying for him. After the service, a man approached him. This man had come through his own serious battles and was now a professing Christian. He looked at the young man and said, "You're a miracle." All due glory was settled upon the Lord. Yes, Jesus still performs miracles. It wasn't as swift as "I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home." ~ Mark 2:11 but still, the young man in essence got up and went home.
12 years later, that young man is a vital member of the community he grew up in, a God loving Christian, an amazing father to his little girl and devoted husband to his blogging wife.
Miracles do still happen. Every day. Super preemies that beat the odds and not only pull through, but thrive. Cancer going into remission. Being saved from peril at the last second. Life created in a womb once thought barren. Coming to the Lord when all faith was thought lost. Miracles are more prevalent than we realize, but praise His name- they abound.
"Peace, peace to those far and near," says the Lord. "And I will heal them." ~ Isaiah 57:19
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