| Earlier today, I was making Chaplain's rounds. I spent time with a man and his wife as they are dealing with his toes being amputated because of diabetes and acute alcoholism. Since there is incredible amounts of sugar in booze, I wonder if the person is as much addicted to the sugar as to the alcohol.Without a miracle, this man may never be able to work again. There is no savings and he and his wife are not old enough for retirement. He wept as he recalled how she is standing by him.Entering a room a few doors down the hallway, I met a 32-year-old woman who has undergone 32 operations. Now, doctors think she may have cancer. She's a pretty woman, articulate and seemingly well-educated. Since coming to the hospital, she has learned that her husband is divorcing her. He says he can't deal with her sickness any longer. With tears streaming down her face, she said, I remember that our wedding vow says 'In sickness and in health.' As she poured out her story, compassion filled my heart but I could not come up with words that had deep enough meaning to help bring her hope. I didn't go blank. I went numb in considering what she has been facing and what she will be facing.I desperately wanted to say, It's going to be OK. God is going to get you through this. God is on the Throne and He cares about you and what's happening to you. But have you faced situations yourself or with Loved Ones when those words seemed not to carry any strength?See, that raises all kinds of questions. If God cares so much, why hasn't He done something about this? Why hasn't He taken action during the first 30 operations? We do believe He knows what is happening. So, instead of trying to defend God or make promises of healing, I sat with her and listened. I'm still amazed at how therapeutic a listening ear, can be to people in trouble. Before leaving her room, I took her hand and prayed that she would receive strength to carry on that the Holy Spirit would continue to be a comfort to her. And yet, when I left the room, I felt a sense of incompleteness.Yes, I also asked that she receive a miracle but I did not promise one. Though some may accuse me of being faithless, the majority of people do not receive miracles. I suppose that is why when a wonderful healing does take place, we call it a miracle.Again, I believe in them, but my faith is not based on them. Most people, even faith-believing people, carry on day-to-day dealing with pain, grief, sadness and sometimes, fear. I often hear how great faith can bring miracles and I've seen some. In addition, like you, there have been times when I prayed and people received a miracle. We can rejoice a long time on one miracle and bless a lot of people by sharing it.BUT THE GREATEST FAITH may be exercised by those who keep on loving the Lord, worshiping him and remaining faithful to Him even though no miracle has come, In some ways, it may take MORE FAITH to keep on serving the Lord when NO MIRACLE has come.Doyl |