God Works Miracles

Matthew 19:26 (New International Version)

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Some stories stick with us forever. This is one of them for me.

The story takes place during a Special Olympics track meet. From the stands, a professor watched as a young man crossed the finish line first. Abandoning all inhibitions, the exuberant winner jumped with joy at his win. He grinned from ear to ear and repeatedly yelled, "Mom! Mom! Mom!" Sitting in front of the professor was a woman whose obvious delight and unrestrained tears made it clear that she was the winner's mother. Puzzled by the intensity of her emotions, he nonetheless leaned over to congratulate the woman. He, too, was moved to tears by what she said. Asking to be excused for her outburst, she explained that she was crying so hard because this was the first time her adult son had ever spoken her name: "Mom".

Although not necessarily a "Christian" story, I think most Christians would see God's hand at work in this miracle.

It reminds us that we worship an all-powerful God -- a God Who uses everything, even secular things (like the Special Olympics), to work miracles. God's answers to prayers are sometimes found where least expected. Consequently, our duty is to be to open to recognizing the unexpected ways in which He works.

The story also reminds us that we can do only so much. Like the mother, our job is to get to the game. Sometimes, after doing all we can, we are relegated to the position of spectator. It is then that we must trust God to accomplish what we cannot. This does not mean that the path is easy. But when we lean on God, great things are possible.

Dear Lord, we thank You for all that You do for us. We pray for the strength and hope for the future in knowing that You will accomplish great things through us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.