Couple of miracles - just had to share!

Last winter (December, I think) my sister's father-in-law was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He had surgery to remove the tumor, but while they were in there they discovered that the tumor had little fingers. So, while they got it out, there was a pretty good chance it would grow back. He wasn't given a whole lot of hope, however Chad went home and began research on fighting cancer. He closed his practice (he is an optometrist) and devoted himself to getting better. I believe he took chemo, but he decided against radiation because it was determined that this type of brain tumor was fatal anyway, so his quality of life wouldn't be that great if his last days were spent in radiation.

Chad cut out all sugar from his diet, I believe he also cut out red meat, and I know he eats a lot of seafood. In addition to lifestyle changes, Chad and his wife also began attending church again and recommitted themselves to God. People all over the country, and probably the world, were praying for Chad. I know that Grant prayed for "Uncle Matt's dad, Chad" every night. We prayed with intensity.

A couple of weeks ago, Chad had his appointment to see how his cancer was doing. Were the tumors back yet, and if so how much time did he have left? Amazingly, Chad's tests all came back FREE from cancer. We are still floored at the miracle that God has done. I mean, you hear about this stuff, but it is not very often that you experience such a miracle so close to home.

This spring, I did a Beth Moore Bible study called "Believing God." One of the major themes throughout the book is "God can do what He says He can do." So, why is it that we think this miracle is so amazing? God can heal. As I prayed for Chad, I was bold enough to ask for a total healing. It was hard to stay focused on that prayer and not doubt that it could happen, but I was determined to pass this test of faith and truly believe God. You can't believe what this answer to prayer has revealed to me. YES, God can heal, and he DOES. Of course, I know that God doesn't always answer our prayers the way that we want them to be answered. I know that sometimes his answer is "no" or "wait." I know that God can take ANY situation and turn it around for His glory. These are all things that I have always known and never questioned. But, do you ever find yourself just expecting the answer to be "no" or "wait?" I certainly do. I sometimes feel like asking for something as big as a total healing would be selfish or too bold and just setting myself up for disappointment. But, what about having faith as small as a mustard seed?

Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matt. 17:20

And, NOTHING is impossible for God! What a huge lesson about faith and prayer this has been for me!

So, we found out about Chad on Monday, and on Friday of the same week, we heard some pretty frightening news about Matt, his son (my brother-in-law). Matt had gone to the doctor for a couple of reasons, including his back, which he has had some problems with. The doctor ordered a CAT scan. The doctor called Matt with the results, and started asking him questions like: Have you worked in hazardous conditions involving gases or chemicals? Yes. Have you traveled to foreign countries in the last 3 years? Yes. Do you have anyone in your family who has had a brain tumor? Yikes! Apparently the CAT scan showed a mass at the back of his brain. Matt then had an MRI. As we waited for the results of the MRI, we prayed HARD. My sister and her husband have 6 kids ages 10 and under. Matt's dad JUST received amazing news of his total healing. There was such a roller-coaster of emotions as we praised God for the healing and agonized in prayer for Matt. We already knew that God could do what He said He could do. But, would He do it again?

YES!! Matt texted my mom with this message: "Matt doesn't have anything in his head." Praise the Lord!! Hee, hee!

Amazing miracles still do happen in this day and age. Isn't it awesome that God revealed his power to us in this way? I'm so thrilled I can hardly stand it!