God’s faithfulness and orchestrations never cease to amaze me! A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting a friend who recently received some devastating health news. She lives a few hours from me and I was so excited that she felt well enough one particular day for me to visit. When she was a child, she used to visit an amusement park near where she currently lives. On this nice autumn day, she felt well enough to go for a walk where there is still a piece of the park and a memorial someone built. On our way there, a couple stopped us and pointed in the distance to the most beautiful and full rainbow which was so vibrantly full of color. We could not see any rain which made the sight even more spectacular. The rainbow lasted at least ten minutes if not longer.
If this couple had not pointed it out we would have missed the magical moment—one that we both felt was God giving us hope. As that couple left and others started to walk by, we shared the good news of the rainbow with them so they could soak in its splendor. Each said that if we had not pointed it out, they would have missed it. It was awesome to see how everyone kept spreading the good news to the next people.
It made me think about the Good News of Jesus. How often do we take time to share that with others? Are we excited to share stories of Him working in our lives? Do we step out in faith and talk with a stranger who sometimes ends up sharing their faith and story with us? Does the way we live our life daily reflect the Good News of Jesus?
If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” –Romans 10:9-15 (NLT)
Isn’t it such great news that once we come to know Jesus, both in our hearts and minds, that we have the privilege and responsibility to keep sharing it with others? It doesn’t matter who we are, how much money or fame we have, we are all equal in God’s eyes. We get to walk each moment with the Lord—He is always there to help us and catch us if we fall. People need to hear the Good News of Jesus and what He can do in their lives. We are all commissioned to keep sharing the Good News we have found.
Photo courtesy of Yay God Ministries under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
In thinking of this exhortation, I would certainly be remiss if I did not share the Good News about God providing some miracles in my friend’s life and how her faith has inspired me. About five weeks ago she called to say she was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder that could cause blindness. We praise and thank the Lord for an astute doctor who realized the urgency of the issue, telling her to get to the hospital as soon as she could to start treatment, which helped stop it from progressing.
I was heartbroken the day she called me in tears saying she had lost some vision in one eye and that it would not be restored. There was also a broken relationship in her life that needed healing. She wanted me to pray on the phone with her. I felt at a loss for words because it felt like the wind was knocked out of my sail too at that moment. The Spirit showed up though as she said she felt peace when I prayed and she wanted to linger with that presence so we ended the phone call.
Each time we shared a phone conversation I would end by praying with her. What I noticed was that the faith of my friend strengthened me. I felt like I was talking slower and more intentionally with my words, which came more from my heart versus my head; praying confidently in faith. She said the prayers were the most comprehensive prayers anyone has ever prayed with her and she asked if I took notes. That made me laugh because I had to say “yes” but I did not have them in front of me! You might know that I am a note taker—just like writing, it helps me process things and remember them easier.
Now, the first Good News to share is that the broken relationship was healed and restored for my friend! She waited patiently for God to show her the right time to meet with the person. After a two hour visit they both left feeling healed and restored. What an answer to prayer!
More Good News is that not once but twice she learned that more vision has been restored in her eye! What a miracle that we both rejoiced over—God’s goodness and grace in her life defied what the doctors said. And, what Good News that her other eye did not lose any vision, nor did it spread to her aorta.
The battle continues with needing to take Prednisone for a year. Dealing with its many side effects is very challenging especially with the insomnia that she already struggled with. So, my dear reader, would you be kind enough to whisper a prayer into God’s ear that my friend will soon be able to sleep at night? I appreciate that.
Walking with my friend through this time has strengthened my faith. Together we have stood resolute in faith knowing God is in control of everything and is always with us even during the most challenging of times. We continue to trust Him that no matter what He will take care of us.
Be encouraged this week to…
… find a way to share the Good News.
… be aware of even the little miracles God produces.
… walk with someone who needs a caring heart.
… step out in faith to pray with others.
REFLECTION:
How have you shared the Good News lately?
What miracle have you witnessed?
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” –Isaiah 52:7 (NIV)
