Maggie stared at the computer screen. How was this possible? Three months ago, she’d been told she wouldn’t live to see her next birthday. But now the scans were clear. Her phone buzzed and she glanced at the screen. Dr. Porter. She connected the call.

“I just read your report, Maggie, and I have to say, I’m astonished.”

Maggie blew out a breath. “So I’m reading it right? The tumors are gone?”

Dr. Porter’s chuckled. “That’s what it looks like. I’ve never seen someone respond so quickly to treatment. Not at your stage.”

Maggie grinned. “I’ve had a lot of people praying for me.”

“Well, you can tell them they did a good job. I’ve never been much for faith myself, but even I have to admit, this looks like a miracle. You won’t even need any more treatments at this point. We’ll repeat the scans in three months, but for now, enjoy your good health. I’ll see you at your next appointment.”

Maggie laid down the phone and lifted up a prayer of thanks. She glanced at the calendar on the wall. It was mid-March. She hadn’t expected to make it until Christmas. But the past few weeks, while taking this new medicine, her energy had returned. Suddenly she felt like a new woman. God had given her a new chance at life and she wasn’t about to waste it.

She mentally scrolled back over the past year. All the prayers, the meals, the cards, and the letters showed her how much she was truly cared for. Each person who touched her contributed to this moment. How would she ever pay them back?

By being the person God called her to be. She hadn’t been anywhere but the hospital or her home for months. It was time to get back out in the world.

Tell your story.

The voice echoed through her mind. Tell her story? What did that mean? Shrugging it off, she opened her email and found one from her church. They were having a special testimony night tomorrow evening. Shuddering, she remembered last year at Bible study. Each of the ladies was asked to share their story with the group, but she was too shy. The idea of speaking in front of others terrified her.  Was this what God was asking of her? A surprising sense of peace filled her. Could she do it?

The next evening, after a night engaged in prayer, Maggie stood before a sanctuary full of people. Amazingly, calm filled her. She gazed out over the congregation and shared the story of her miraculous healing, giving praise to God and thanks to all who prayed for her. She had been so close to death but she now radiated health.

At the end of the evening an older woman hurried over to Maggie and grasped her hands. “My dear, thank you so much for sharing your story. You have no idea how much it meant to me. Do you have a minute?”

Maggie nodded. “Of course.” She followed the woman to a row of chairs and they sat together. The woman took out a tissue and dabbed her eyes. “I’ve been feeling discouraged lately. I read my Bible and see all the amazing miracles, but I couldn’t help wondering if God was finished with us. But tonight, seeing you up there, my faith has been restored.”

Maggie blinked. How could her story mean so much? “But…”

The woman pulled out her phone. “Look.”

Maggie glanced down at the photo on the phone screen and drew in a breath. How could that be? She’d never met this woman before. “Why do you have a picture of me on your phone?”

The woman’s expression softened. “You see it too. I’m sorry. I should introduce myself. My name is Rosa, and this is my daughter, Emily. As you can see, you look so very much like her. This picture was taken a few years ago. Emily’s health has been declining for years. I’ve been praying and praying for a miracle, and she keeps getting worse. But seeing you up there tonight, sharing your story of miraculous healing, has given me the hope for her.”

Panic coursed through Maggie. “But God doesn’t heal everyone. Just because I look like Emily doesn’t mean she’ll have a miracle, too.”

Rosa patted Maggie’s hand. “I know that, dear. But you’re wrong. God will heal Emily. It just might not happen until she gets to heaven. Seeing you tonight gave me a picture of what she may look like when she’s in heaven. Full of life and praising Jesus. That picture is a precious gift from God. Of course, I will keep praying for God to heal her here on earth. I would love to have many more years with her, but God may choose to take her home tomorrow. The important thing is that I keep my faith, regardless of what He chooses to do. And that is the gift you gave me by sharing your testimony tonight.”  

As Rosa walked away, Maggie bowed her head in prayer. For Rosa, for Emily, and in a promise to God. He’d given her a new start here on earth, and she was determined to use it to serve Him with all her heart.

Luke 4: 40-43

 At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.  Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.

 At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” 

God, we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, and we don’t know how you might answer our prayers. Help us keep our faith, even when the answers aren’t what we hope. Even though our bodies and those of our loved ones may fail, thank You so much for the promise of restoration in heaven. Help us to remember You are faithful. It is far more important to save the soul than the body, as you tell us in Luke – You came to preach the gospel more than heal. So, God, we pray for healing, but most importantly, we pray for salvation. In all things, we need to pray, for that is how we stay in fellowship with You. We are so grateful You want to hear from us.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.