Anyone driving past the church in Augusta, Georgia, would have guessed a wedding was taking place. There were flowers and photographers and smiling people all dressed up. But a casual observer never could have imagined all it took to get to this day. To me it was nothing less than a miracle.
The Groom’s Proposal
The groom’s proposal was a miracle. How did he find my sweet friend on that Christian dating site? She, who had been praying for a godly husband for over twenty years, was one of many women cautiously introducing herself to a man over the Internet. She lived one thousand miles away from his family and work and church. Yet he did find her, and sought to pursue her as they became better friends through email and phone calls. Finally they met face to face, and they decided to ask their families and friends to pray for them as they considered marriage.
"The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love." (Ps. 147:11)
The Bride’s Joyful "Yes!"
The bride’s joyful "Yes!" was a miracle. This shock-and-trauma nurse was willing to leave her career of nineteen years, sell her house, move to Houston, and care for her new husband and his five children, which will include home-schooling them. Some of our friends commented that this new bride was leaving one shock-and-trauma unit for a different kind of one! But she loves her bridegroom wholeheartedly and wants to give her life to him and his family.
"When I found him whom my soul loves, I held him, and would not let him go . . ." (Song 3:4)
The Children’s Loving Acceptance
The children’s loving acceptance of their new stepmother was a miracle. Two years ago these little ones said goodbye to their mother one evening as she went to the hospital for what everyone thought would be a routine appendectomy. However, complications developed, and within five days their mama was gone—unimaginable grief and pain. How could those so young (13, 11, 9, 7, and 2) absorb and recover from such a loss? Their extended family rallied around them. Their church prayed for them and helped as they were able.
"He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children" (Ps. 113:9).
The Maternal Grandmother’s Gracious Encouragement
The maternal grandmother’s gracious encouragement was a miracle. She "happened" to be in town visiting when her daughter suddenly took ill and died. She stayed, and even through the trauma of losing her only child, she cared for her grandchildren physically and spiritually. She comforted them in the confusing days following this tragedy. She humbly cooked and cleaned and did laundry. She learned how to oversee their home schooling. She was sensitive to their father’s grief. She sacrificially left her home and friends to serve this hurting family, loving them as only a godly grandmother can.
And then, when the time came, she voiced her blessing over my friend, confirming her son-in-law’s choice for a new mommy for her daughter’s children. She helped them embrace God’s purposes for their family as grandmothers are often called to do.
"I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well." (2 Tim. 1:5)
Are You in Need of a Miracle?
I witnessed a miracle last week. Truly, I witnessed several. Are you in need of a miracle? Don’t give up. Keep waiting, keep praying, keep serving. We belong to the God of miracles. My forty-two-year-old friend never thought her miracle would come driving from the west in a white suburban filled with children who would change her life in such dramatic ways. But in holiness and purity she was ready to welcome this miracle from the hand of God.
"Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day. Surely there is a future and your hope will not be cut off." (Prov. 23:17–18)