Proclaiming what God has done…
“One of them when he was healed, came back praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him — and he was a Samaritan.” *
When talking about his church, our young pastor enthusiastically exclaims, “God is up to great things!” He gives God the credit for the good things that have been happening including baptisms, at least one decision to follow Christ, three small “backyard churches” starting up and midweek outdoor worship services being held at the community center.
It’s exciting to see the Lord actively moving among us, in spite of the fact we, His people, have had to worship online for so many months. Two of our former churches in Porterville have begun to gather for a combined outdoor worship service early on Sunday mornings. Two different congregations agreeing to meet together…wow!
There have been many testimonies on the news of people who have recovered from the COVID 19 virus, but few have given God any credit in their healing. It was inspiring when a young woman who was in her hospital room recently told a reporter she felt like God had given her a second chance. Her voice was barely audible, yet she expressed gratitude for His hand in her recovery.
Chris, our son-in-law, also shared great news online concerning our daughter’s recent scans of brain and spine: “We received some welcome news today... Shanda’s most recent MRI results were very positive — no new growths and everything else is stable. Some previous growths that were hit with radiation are gone.”
“The regimen of weekly intrathecal injections to go after the LMD (Leptomeningeal disease) in the central nervous system, subcutaneous shots every three weeks going after HER2+ cells (breast cancer) in the body and a chemo cocktail 7 days on / 7 days off is collectively doing what we want it to... seek and destroy, and suppress.
“Add to this that she is fully off the steroids, in physical therapy to get moving again, on a dietary reset plan with a local Huntington Woods mom and even played some viola today... it’s a great day.
“Thank you to medical superheroes at Michigan Medicine for the care, to God for listening (even if I’m not always nice), and to friends and family for riding this roller coaster with us. The fight continues!! As Dory says, ‘Just keep swimming...’”
After waiting anxiously for the latest results from her scans, this was amazing news for us to hear. God is good!
When 10 men with leprosy came to Jesus, desperate for help and outcasts from society, He simply told them to go and show themselves to the priests. As they were doing just what Jesus said, a miracle happened — all 10 were healed!
We only know the response of the leper who returned to Jesus to thank Him. Who knows what happened to the others? But the man who had been healed fell at Jesus’ feet and praised God in a such loud voice anyone within hearing range knew and was able to share in his great joy.
Jesus told him to get up! “Rise and go, your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:19 NIV) And it’s likely he continued to proclaim what Jesus had done for him wherever he went, for the rest of his life.
Having thought about this idea of proclaiming what God is doing or has done in my life for several days, my chance recently came at the dermatologist’s office. First the doctor himself asked, “So, how have you been doing during this pandemic?” And a little later, his PA asked me the same question.
To both men, I gave the standard answer, “Oh just fine,” without thinking to give God credit for keeping Al, myself and our whole family safe from COVID 19. Really, I should be on my knees before the Lord, praising Him in a loud voice for all He has done for me.
There are many opportunities to proclaim the good things He has done for us. Now, no holding back! Let’s give Him the glory!
Dear Lord, you have done many wonderful works in each of our lives. Forgive us when we don’t express our gratitude to you or to the folks around us. Please give us the words and the desire to express our thanks, that you might receive the glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Luke 17:15 NIV
Judy Lowery lives in Michigan. The Good News column appears on the Religion pages of the Recorder. You can read more at Judy’s blog, goodnewswithjudy.blogspots.com