My Miracle

photo my friend, Laura, took and designed for me with my favorite quote

There is a saying “The brightest light often comes from the darkest places” and I think that describes my journey so perfectly.

The things in my life that I never would have planned myself, an unplanned pregnancy and a fullterm stillbirth, were the very things God had planned all along for His higher purposes. In the midst of that darkness, a glorious light is shining forth, proclaiming to all who will hear the beauty of King Jesus!

Those on the outside looking in may say my story is a broken one, a sad one. Yes, that might be so. Yet, I serve an awesome God who has redeemed my life, my story, and brought me good and Him glory. He has turned this broken, sad story into something truly beautiful. It is often only in those dark, broken places, that God can work His miracles.

Yes, I believe He has worked a miracle in my heart and life. You might ask how it's a miracle when my daughter died?...

Let's look at the definition of a miracle:

Miracle:
1. an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.
2. such an effect manifesting or considered as a work of God.
3. a wonder; marvel.

What God did to radically change the deepest parts of me is nothing short of a miracle. He used a sweet little flower named Lily Katherine to leave me forever changed...He brought me back to Himself through her precious LIFE. He broke the chains of bondage and sin through a little girl who never spoke one word or took one breath. He whispered deliverance over me.

Those who are in Christ have eyes to see what others cannot. Hope. Eternity. LIFE everlasting. This pain, the sorrow of this life, are all temporary. It will pass. Only what is eternal will last. I read this absolutely beautiful post on Angie Smith's blog last week.

"And here we are, the bride of Christ, facing the storm with a drenched smile.
Because we know what they might not...
And always behind the storm, a voice whispers from eternity: it is worth the wait, love.
And so we reman, eyes soaked with tears and rain.
Believing beyond our momentary affliction that all-consuming glory is near.
It is so near, love.
Come, Lord Jesus...quickly..."

Lily is my miracle because she brought me to this truth. This hope. I have everlasting life because of her life. My miracle is buried in a cemetery in Virginia. But she is speaking, God is speaking, through her life. She was and always will be my precious miracle.

Not all miracles happen on a grand scale. Some miracles only affect a few people. But, I'm realizing more and more as the days and months pass...this story is affecting and will continue to change so many more people than I ever dreamed possible...

All because of one simple act of obedience. One choice of LIFE. The ripple effects of that one choice will echo into eternity...

Choose LIFE today. Let Him work His miracle in your life.