Romans 8:28

Recently a dear friend sent this e-mail to me about his wife who has been struggling the past few years with medical issues. We often question God's existence and His goodness in times of intense trial, but here is a testamony from a couple that has a proper understanding of who God is because of their experience with pain and suffering. May we be blessed to face trials with such faith and courage.

"The purpose of this email is to let you know about the latest miracle in our lives. Since I last sent you an update, Paulette has had some challenges with pleural effusions or to us regular folks that's fluid collecting around her lung. The obvious result is difficulty in breathing. She was hospitalized almost 3 months ago for removal of approximately one and a half liters of fluid. Seven weeks later an equal amount had collected again and had to be removed. Three weeks later (which was one week ago) the pulmonologist estimated that one and a half quarts of fluid had built up again. She was scheduled for the procedure to remove the fluid last Thursday. X-rays were made upon her arrival for the appointment, and when the Dr. came into the room and saw her x-ray, a broad grin spread across his face. He said that Paulette is one lucky lady because most of the fluid had vanished, and there was not enough to be concerned about. We told him that people around the world are praying for us, and that we've experienced miracles before. The Dr. said, "well, somebody is listening because you've just had another miracle." He ended the 3 to 4 minute Dr. visit by giving Paulette a big hug (not his usual style) and wished us a Merry Christmas.

Few people that I have met experience these kinds of miracles in a lifetime. Yet during the past three years, Paulette has been the recipient of three really big ones. In 2006 she was diagnosed with untreatable and inoperable cancer. Miraculously, the cancer disappeared. In 2007 a growth appeared in her heart which prevented her body from processing blood. The doctors thought her death was near. Miraculously, within a few days the fluid disappeared along with the blockage in her heart. And now in 2008 a large amount of fluid disappeared from around her lung.

I won't pretend that I understand why we've been singled out for these blessings anymore than I understand why there is now a plum sized growth on the outside of Paulette's heart. We've known about this growth for over a year. We know that should either or both of us die tomorrow, we have had three incredible "bonus" years together on this earth, since our odyssey began the day before Christmas 2005. It is a certainty that God is good, and His mercy lasts forever. What a gift, and what better time than the Christmas Season to be reminded of God's grace and mercy. Two thousand years ago He gave the greatest gift of all -- His son, Jesus. All of this is about Him, not us. "

Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose."

Consider the works of His hands!