Do Miracles Happen...? They Absolutely Do!

Every Wednesday at our church we have various growth activities for all ages. From the youngest toddler to the most senior of our members, there is a class or group for everyone. I attend the pastor's Bible study.

We just happen to be in the first chapter of the Book of James, when James is telling us to be thankful for the trials we face in life.

James 1:2 “Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3) because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4) Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

At the end of each class is a period where we talk about prayer needs and requests. There is a list of known, public prayer requests for church members and attendees may make requests for themselves or others during this time. Prayers are sent up for all who request them and also for those who may have a need that they cannot speak about.

Last night was a little different. After we spoke of those on the list and any other prayer needs, our pastor, Dr. Marr introduced a young Asian woman who happened to be sitting on the back row near me. She stood up and we could see she was about 8 months pregnant. She was a tiny woman, probably not 5 feet tall, and may have weighed 100 pounds counting the baby weight.

Dr. Marr asked the woman to tell us what had happened in her life. In her slow, deliberate, and sometimes broken English she explained.

This woman had suffered a miscarriage during her first pregnancy. When she became pregnant again she asked Dr. Marr if he (and we) would pray for her. We did it right there in the class one evening.

Several months into the pregnancy she went in for a sonogram and she was told by her doctor that she was carrying twins – but that the babies were conjoined at the head. The young woman was devastated. She went home and did the only thing she knew to do – she began to pray.

The woman asked God to intervene, to heal her babies so they would be healthy and normal. She prayed all the time, facing her trial with faith in her God. She said when she was doubtful and her faith waned she turned to the church and to God's messages to her and stayed strong.

Weeks went by and she returned to the doctor for another sonogram. This new sonogram showed her babies were no longer conjoined but were separate, healthy and developing normally.

When she finished, Dr. Marr recapped her story for anyone who may not have understood her. When he finished he said “Think there are no such things as miracles? You just witnessed one.”

The woman said her doctor “apologized for weeks” for being wrong. Skeptics will say they simply made a mistake. But this is 2015. Doctors using sophisticated imaging technology don't make mistakes and tell a woman her babies are conjoined when they're really not.

The woman believes she received a miracle. Dr. Marr believes she received a miracle. And I believe she received a miracle.

James 1:12 says “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

This humble, faithful woman trusted in her Lord when faced with one of the most terrifying, heartbreaking trials she could face. And for her faith she was rewarded. 

In her story is a lesson for all.