Jul 28, 2007

Miracles Do Exist: Example 1


I'm in a reflective mood tonight, and I just thought I might take a minute to share a personal miracle I've witnessed over the last 16 years. I have experienced many miracles over my lifetime as a Christian, but this particular one has meant so much to me.


Growing up I didn't have a father. I mean I had a physical one who provided for me financially, but he was never there for me emotionally. He was an alcoholic all of my years growing up, and I dearly missed out on the father/daughter bond that I so desperately longed to have. He was not abusive or intentionally hurtful, he was simply lost and sick. Neglect is the main thing I experienced. When my parents divorced after 24 years of marriage, my dad soon hit rock bottom. He lost his wife and children(not literally), and was heading into a place he didn't want to go. Through an AA group, my father found recovery. He also found a higher power, which still left him lost and empty. I started praying for my father, specifically that he would come to know Jesus as his personal Saviour. Skip and I were recently married, and we both were attending a wonderful bible church. We would casually share about our sermons, and how we would love for them to come sometime. I can't exactly tell you the day or how it happened, but within a year, my father asked Jesus into his heart. I was overcome with praise and thankfulness for this miraculous event. So many people had been praying for my father over the years, and now it finally happened. He dug into God's word like there was no tomorrow. He fully devoted himself to living a life of purpose. Shortly after that he married my stepmother, who also had made a recent recovery of her own. God did a mighty work in my Daddy that can only be described as a miracle. Over the last 15 years he has become such a godly man. He is in the word every day, and he is the first person I call when I have a question in scripture. He has become a wonderful father, grandfather, and a husband to his wife. Another miracle is that I never ever think about the bad times growing up without a father. He has proved to me that WHO HE IS NOW is all that matters. I praise God everyday for this gift I've been given.


I will try to share some other miracles I've experienced from time to time. I think that sharing our personal stories can truly show others just how great our God truly is.

*This picture was taken three years ago at my Daddy's 60th b-day party. This is my Dad, my sis Debbie, Me, and my baby brother Billy.

14 comments:

Susan said...

What a wonderful testimony of the faithfulness of God in hearing and answering our prayers and also of complete forgiveness.
Susan

Robin said...

I love that you father is doing so well, but I equally love that you didn't let your growing up without him turn your adulthood into what could have been a very negative experience. God is good!

Linda said...

There is nothing as amazing as the miracle of a changed life. What a precious testimony Susie. The other miracle is the way your heart was healed. It is so precious that you are not dwelling on the things of the past but rather rejoicing in this glorious present.
Thank you so much for sharing this.

Debbie said...

I love this picture! We don't have very many pictures of all of us together. Thank you for reminding me of all the miracles that took place with Dad. It is amazing how God was there for us when Dad wasn't. Without Him, I can't imagine where we would be right now. I guess you, me and Billy are miracles as well. I love you and I miss you.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing Susie! I've always loved your dad from the first time I met him at VBC! And little did I know then that I would eventually be semi-related to him through Carolyn years later! :) God has a sense of humor!

DA Wagners said...

So many adults are still holding onto past parental wrongs. I think you're such a role model to us on how to pray and forgive those who have hurt us. I'm so excited to hear about your father's journey. Praise God his life is changed! God is so awesome to give second chances!

Ruth said...

That is such a wonderful story. I am so happy that your father has become a man of God, and you have a great relationship. You are right...it is a miracle. Thank you for telling this story, and I look forward to more!!

Girl Raised in the South said...

Such an encouraging story - sure to bring hope to others out there still praying for that miracle. xoxo

Susan @ Blessed Assurances said...

what an encouraging story. I recently sat some firm boundaries with my own father and am dealing with some issues from my childhood. I pray the same for my dad, I know God has great plans for him. I needed this encouragement. it's one of those things I would love to be able to blog about by father in order to ask you all to pray but he is a regular reader. I don't think he would appreciate me airing his "issues" out there. So pray for me and thank you for sharing this, it could not of come at a better time!

~susan

Mayhem And Miracles said...

Thank you for sharing that, Susie. I am still praying for my Dad (and his mother), the only two in our entire extended family who have not come to know Jesus, from a family of none who knew him only 13 years ago!!! EVERY salvation is such a miracle! (And since I'm catching up, I'm so glad God kept you safe in the storm! What a testimony for your daughter to share with friends!)

on the Rock said...

It such a blessing when you can get to a better place in relationships!
God's continued blessings on your family.

Kimmy said...

what an incredible story... I love how you honestly described your heart ache and how the Lord provided you healing, too. I can relate well as my father was "gone" during my childhood, too... but came around eventually but unfortunately passed away too early. I'll be back... look forward to reading more of your blog. ~ Kim

Susanne said...

Susie, I loved reading this testimony! What hope this gives to those of us who have relatives who in the world's eyes are hopeless. What a great God we serve!

Shawna said...

I'm waiting on a few miracles of that magnetude.