(Part 2 of 3 in a Series: Life of Miracles)
I’ve always liked it when you get an unexpected blessing. A fresh word or prayer over you feels like the Lord’s refreshing cool midst over you on a hot, dry day. Psalm 23:6 says, “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life…”
Like blessings chasing you!
In 2020 when covid had hit the nation, one of our sons had a double lung and heart transplant. (See Post: Unlikely Heroes Part 1 of this 3 Part Series). While he was recovering in the hospital, I had a scheduled colonoscopy. Since I would be put under twilight, my husband would have to take me, wait during the procedure, and pick me up once it was over.
Things in general had been stressful for us. While our son, Austin had survived the surgery, there were so many ups and downs. Recovery was a long process that no one could predict. We had almost lost Austin five times. He was having to re-learn how to breathe with new lungs. Some of his organs were taking longer to come back online after surgery. So many trials and so many little victories. It was like a roller coaster that seemed to never end during that season.
Finances had been a struggle. Relationships were stretched, as stress took its toll on all of us. Trying to jump through all the covid hurdles just to visit our son in the hospital and keep out of harm’s way so that we could visit without fear of passing on any infections to him or ourselves was hard. Today, my husband was feeling the weight of everything coming down on him.
During the procedure, Steve decided to go walk at the nearby park we frequented. Feeling burdened more so at this moment, he went to a part of the park where it was separated and secluded wanting to be alone, knowing no one would be or maybe even know about this small out of the way place to sit in silence, to pray, to search and sort out all the thoughts swirling in his head.
After a few moments, Steve described how “Hope sought him out.” In his words:
I was sitting there when this guy I didn’t recognize came around the corner upon me. He seemed a little different, a little out of place. The gentleman approached me, walking to the dock I was sitting at and began to speak. This man introduced himself and told me that he felt so heavily burdened to travel to this, particular spot. God wanted him to go travel for a couple of hours to find this remote spot, a spot in a city he’d never been to and find a person who was sitting there to deliver this message.
The man stated that he had never done anything like this before, but he was convinced that he had heard God’s voice and was compelled to do this.
Steve was surprised but invited him to speak more. The man essentially told Steve that “Everything would be alright!” “That everything would work out.” Steve had not even said anything to him at this point. After receiving this encouraging word from a complete stranger, Steve was incredulous and gave the man just the highlights of Austin’s transplant surgery and ongoing recovery.
The man, Steve said was in really good shape. He turned to Steve and said, “Not to worry, that at some point – Austin was even going to look like him someday – referring to his fit physique.” The conversation didn’t last that much longer. Steve said I sat dazed and overcome with wonder pondering the moment.
I was thanking the Lord when I noticed the man was making his way out of the area, and I shouted out “Thank you!” I realized I never even got the man’s name or knew anything about him. The mysterious man had left as quickly as he had shown up.
Steve was misty-eyed when he told me the whole scenario of what took place. Today, as I write it down, I am both amazed and full of wonder. I get goose bumps even today. God sent this man, this messenger just to deliver hope to Steve. Hope seeks us out when God is author of the message. Hope knows only that it must be delivered and then received.
Hope chased Steve down; God’s intimate knowledge and love for him sought him out to comfort and encourage him. It’s hard not to let the tears stream down as I think about what God does for those who love and put their trust in him. (2 Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”)
Hope Verses in the Bible to Encourage You Today:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
“Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.” Psalm 46:1-2
