Time and time again scripture reminds us of the changes that can occur within people when great faith is demonstrated. People can and do change! Whether it is a physical healing, a recovery from an emotional disturbance, an adjustment in our character, how we do relationships or a change of life-style – with God’s power people can transform their health, personalities, and character.
When my sons, Dan and Tom, were young, I hung a sign in each of their rooms that read, “Be patient – God isn’t finished with me yet.” That is a statement we all should remember. We and everyone we know is in process. Hopefully the goal for all believers is that God will continue to change us into the likeness of Christ. If we do not allow God to guide our spirits – we have essentially given up.
Let me qualify what is meant about change. Our purpose is to glorify and honor God. We do that by following His plan and purpose for our lives. Significant change can only occur when we follow His footsteps and honor the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Sometimes we want to give up on others. But remember, the same God that transformed a sinner like Paul can transform the mindset and hearts of those people who seem untouchable. Even when things seem desperate – keep praying and believing!
Along with the Holy Spirit, the power of our prayers, words, and actions can change hearts, heal wounds, and transform lives. Don’t give up! Pray for those who offend you and disrespect you. Pray for a healing for those suffering from sickness or mental illness. Pray for those who want to put you into a box and look at you through the eyes of the past rather than for what you are today. Yes, we should even pray for our enemies.
Do you remember the little song, “You are My Sunshine, My only Sunshine”? After reading the following story that particular song takes on a new meaning. The story reminds us to never give up on God.
The Miracle of a Brother’s Song
Like any good mother, when Karen found out that another baby was on the way, she did what she could to help her 3-year-old son, Michael, prepare for a new sibling. They found out that the new baby was going be a girl, and day after day, night after night, Michael sang to his sister in mommy’s tummy. He was building a bond of love with his little sister before he even met her.
The pregnancy progressed normally for Karen, an active member of the Panther Creek United Methodist Church in Morristown, Tennessee.
In time, the labor pains came. Soon it was every five minutes, every three, every minute. But serious complications arose during delivery and Karen found herself in hours of labor. Would a C-section be required?
Finally, after a long struggle, Michael’s little sister was born. But she was in very serious
condition. With a siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushed the infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Mary’s Hospital, Knoxville, Tennessee.
The days inched by. The little girl got worse. The pediatrician had to tell the parents there was very little hope. Be prepared for the worst. Karen and her husband contacted a local cemetery about a burial plot. They had fixed up a special room in their house for their new baby but now they found themselves having to plan for a funeral.
Michael, however, kept begging his parents to let him see his sister. “I want to sing to her,” he kept saying. Week two in intensive care looked as if a funeral would come before the week was over.
Michael kept nagging about singing to his sister, but kids are never allowed in Intensive Care. Karen decided to take Michael whether they liked it or not. If he didn’t see his sister right then, he may never see her alive. She dressed him in an oversized scrub suit and marched him into ICU.
The head nurse recognized him as a child and bellowed, “Get that kid out of here now. No children are allowed.” The mother rose up strong in Karen, and the usually mild-mannered lady glared steel-eyed right into the head nurse’s face, her lips a firm line.
“He is not leaving until he sings to his sister”, she stated. Then Karen towed Michael to his sister’s bedside. He gazed at the tiny infant losing the battle to live. After a moment, he began to sing. In the pure-hearted voice of a 3-year-old, Michael sang:
“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine; you make me happy when skies are gray.”
Instantly the baby girl seemed to respond. The pulse rate began to calm down and
become steady. “Keep on singing, Michael,” encouraged Karen with tears in her eyes. “You never know, dear, how much I love you, please don’t take my sunshine away.” As Michael sang to his sister, the baby’s ragged, strained breathing became as smooth as a kitten’s purr. “Keep on singing, sweetheart.” “The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you in my arms”. Michael’s little sister began to relax as rest, healing rest, seemed to sweep over her.
“Keep on singing, Michael.” Tears had now conquered the face of the bossy head nurse. Karen glowed. “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. Please don’t take my sunshine away…”
The next day…the very next day…the little girl was well enough to go home. Woman’s Day Magazine called it The Miracle of a Brother’s Song. The medical staff just called it a miracle. Karen called it a miracle of God’s love.
NEVER GIVE UP ON THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE. LOVE IS SO INCREDIBLY POWERFUL.
Have a great week! Blessings