Today’s Everyday Miracle!

A broken piece of soap.  A resounding expression of LOVE.

Some people think a “Miracle” must be a “Blind Man Given Sight” kind of thing…. or a “Dead Man Brought to Life.”  I have not seen a miracle of that kind (with my natural eyes).  But I have seen many, many, of what I call the “Everyday Miracles” that You, Lord, so generously impart.

One definition of Miracle:  “An effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause” (dictionary.reference.com).  Yep… even Your Everyday Miracles, Lord!

This morning, I finished reading an historical novel written by a man I met recently in Savannah.  The novel, entitled The Stain, focuses on a key person who lived long ago — the Centurion who stood at the foot of Your cross, Lord.  The one who cried out immediately after Your death:

“Surely He was the Son of God!”  (Matthew 27:54)

I have long believed I will meet this Centurion one day in Heaven, as my brother-in-Christ.  Why else would You have included his testimony in Your precious Word?  Perhaps so others alive at that time could track him down, so he could testify about Your ability to touch (soften) any heart?  Perhaps so I (and others) could one day seek him out in Heaven, so we could hear his testimony and praise You all the more?

This warrior of Rome, who supervised Your execution, had a hard time believing You could ever forgive him, Lord.  He wanted to believe, but thought his sins were beyond forgiveness… his broken soul beyond hope.  Even when he heard firsthand the amazing words You spoke from that dreadful cross as You were dying:

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  (Luke 23:34)

This morning, as I neared the end of the book, I read a beautiful passage about a miracle the author imagined might have occurred.  A miracle that would make Your Love for this warrior of Rome known to him in an unmistakable and irresistible way.  And this fictional miracle worked!  This Centurion became Yours forever!  I won’t disclose that miracle and spoil the ending for anyone who might later read Ed’s book.  But how could I not worship You, Lord, even as I finished this novel — knowing there is nothing fictional about Your life-altering Love... or Your forgiveness that is complete, wiping our slates totally clean?!

After I finished the book, I jumped in the shower to get ready for my day.  I grabbed a chunk of soap and began to scrub my body as my mind went back to that Centurion.  I remembered feeling the way he did, too, Lord… back before You made Your Love for me — Your Passionate and Steadfast Love — known to me, in unmistakable and irresistible ways.  Ways that helped me fall head-over-heels in love with You!

Just then, the soap in my hand broke.  My eyes were closed, my face covered with suds.  It wasn’t until I rinsed off my face and opened my eyes that I saw today’s “Everyday Miracle” — that broken piece soap on the bathmat at my feet… in the shape of a heart.

A broken piece of soap.  A resounding expression of LOVE.  YOUR LOVE, Lord… for me!   Then… now… forever!!!

Heart of my heart, give me eyes to see Your Everyday Miracles as You express Your love to me!  Give all of your children such eyes to see!  Give even those who do not yet know you — those You are pursuing — eyes to see!   Because there is no force on earth greater than the power of Your Love!

“For God so loved the world [ME… and every other person’s name] that He gave His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  (John 3:16)

With my eyes — and heart — wide open… !!!

Abba’s Girl

(The Stain, Ed DeVos, 2013; www.halopublishing.com)

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