Christmas is a time for miracles so I thought I’d share one with you.

This is a true story that took place when I was a York University student many years ago, and next June it will be published in a book entitled, "Kernels of Hope."

I hope you enjoy the miracle!

 

Make a Difference

Heart racing, I took a second look at my neighbor as she yanked her German Shepherd, forcing him to pull her wheelchair and obese body down the condo hallway.

“Move it stupid!” Swat. You could barely hear his yelp.

This was Toronto, different than my small hometown where everybody got involved in everybody’s business, so I doubted anybody would report her. Rushing to escape to the elevator, I wondered if I was any better.

She spotted me and called with a thick gravelly voice. “Cheryl... Come here!”

“Oh hi, Racelle. I’m just on my way to class.”

Her eyes became desperate; her jack-o-lantern grin, pitiful. “I need you to stop by later this afternoon. I’ve got something to show you.”

Did she want me to sit on her itchy sofa and endure another discussion?

Invite her to church.

Where did that thought come from?  Was it Jesus?

I’d heard that healing evangelist, Billy Burke, was coming to town next week. Did God want me to take her?

If I didn’t ask now, I’d chicken out. “Racelle, would you like to come to a special healing meeting with me?”

“A Christian meeting?”

“Ah, yeah.”

She shook her head, cackling a laugh. “I’m Jewish!”

“Jesus was Jewish. Besides, you’ve got nothing to lose. It’ll be a neat experience.”

She blew air from her pursed lips. “Dear, dear, Cheryl. You know I don’t believe in all that crap, but ok, I will come to your healing thing.”          

“You will?  I mean, great. I’ll look forward to it!”

Whenever someone knocked on my door that week, I thought it was Racelle coming to cancel. No such knock. I went from elation to worry. What if she made a scene? What if she got mad and cussed at the man? What if people thought she was my mother!

After a week, the night finally came.  Racelle dressed in her usual well-worn clothes. When Wheel-Trans dropped us off at the door, I wondered if I’d see anybody I knew. The instant the door opened, we were greeted by bright lights and loud, celebrant music. People’s faces shone with anticipation. Mine shone with sweat.

When the worship began, Racelle wiped a strand of matted hair from her eyes and belted out the songs as if she knew them. I glanced left and right, upping my volume.

Billy, a gentleman in his late thirties stepped to the platform in a suit as white as his smile. “How many of you know that we’re all God’s instruments? God is the healer. Not me.”

The room quieted as he shared how the same Jesus who healed people in the New Testament, healed him of brain cancer when he was a child. “God never changes. The one who laid down his life to forgive sins, is still healing people today.”

Billy scanned the crowd. “Does anyone want healing?”

Racelle shouted, “I do!” tugging my sleeve. “Let’s get up there.” So I helped her.

A big line formed in front of the platform. Billy didn’t take long to get to us, thank God.  Racelle had already stepped out of her wheelchair on trembling legs, and was squeezing me.

“What’s the trouble?” he asked.

“I have muscular dystrophy.”

“What’s your name?”

“Racelle.”

Billy placed his hand on her head and prayed with passion, “Father God, please touch Racelle’s body. Muscular dystrophy, I command you to go, in Jesus’ name!”

Racelle jolted as if hit by electricity. She began to collapse backwards until someone caught her and laid her gently on the carpet.

“Stand up again,” he said, extending his hand.

“I can’t. It feels like something zapped me.”

He chuckled. “God just touched your body.”

She grabbed his hand and did what he asked. With one leg in front of the other, she stepped forward. She then took several well-balanced steps.

“Keep going,” he said. “You can do it.” And she did. “Praise God! Jesus is healing you. Say ‘thank you, Jesus.’ ”

The words shook through her with laughter. “Thank you, Jesus.” She said it again, only louder. She picked up her pace, turning her walk into a run. Her stiff arms clawed the air in rapid motion with her legs. She raced around the room while everyone broke into claps and cheers.

I was stunned. I’d known this lady for two years. She could barely stand. Tonight she was running and thanking Jesus, who just minutes before, she didn’t believe in.

Tears filled her face like a cleansing stream, streaking away dirt in their lines. A sob escaped my throat.

I thought about how Satan might try deception to draw her away from God who loved her and healed her.  We’d just experienced a small glimpse of heaven, and I refused to let fear darken it.

“Who healed you?” Billy asked.

“Jesus.”

“Do you believe in Him?”

“Yes.”

Billy looked at me. “Did you bring her?” I nodded.

He turned to an older gentleman. “Can I borrow your hat?” The gentleman handed it to him. Looking at me, Billy said, “We’re going to take up an offering so you can buy this lady some clothes. Sound good?”

I nodded, glancing at Racelle as she beamed. This was surely a new kind of love for her.

Racelle pushed her wheelchair as we slipped into the crisp night air. She looked taller than I remembered. As she entered her condo, I giggled. Even her dog would be surprised. Clearly, the rays of God’s mercy stretched farther than eyes could see.

Jesus healed an unbelieving woman who hadn’t walked in years. At the same time, he touched the limping faith of a simple college girl—giving a story she’d run with for years..

“He sent His word and healed them" (Psalm 107:20)

Nothing is too difficult for God.

Mind if I pray with you?

Heavenly Father, thank you that the miracle of Christmas dwells in our hearts!  Thank you for everyone reading this letter.  Please bless them and their families in a special way this week.

We ask for all heaviness to go.  We ask for lasting forgiveness to flow.  Thank you in advance for infusing us with joy, peace and hope.

Help us love a little more like you, dear Father.  Help us step out of our comfort zone and make a difference in the lives of others.  We ask all these things in the healing name of Jesus.  Amen.

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“A Friend in the Storm is the perfect gift when you don’t know what to say.  Quotes, Scripture and a gut-real conversation awakens hurting hearts to the incomparable comfort of Christ’s compassion.”
– Dr. Kevin Leman, 
Author of Have a New Kid by Friday and Sheet Music.

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Did you know we have a family band?  You won't want to miss our fun family music video!  
 

Merry Christmas!!!