I'm convinced that nothing happens by accident. While God gives us free will, some things are simply out of our control. They are part of a bigger plan set in motion by God before we were even born.
As Psalm 139:16 says, "You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."
It's comforting to know God has a master plan for each of us, but it also raises a lot of questions. Why do people get sick and suffer? Why do some get healed and others don’t? Why this person and not that person?
The movie Miracles From Heaven tackles these and other tough questions. It is the true story of a Texas family whose daughter had a life-threatening disease. After months of pain and suffering -- and fruitless treatments -- Anna fell 30 feet down the inside of a rotten, hollowed-out tree, and miraculously, she had no broken bones, no injuries (except a few scratches)…and furthermore, was completely healed.
It’s a story anyone can relate to as this family fights to find answers and, at the same time, wrestles with their faith, trying to make sense of their struggles.
The movie doesn’t try to answer the unanswerable, but it also doesn’t shrink from admitting the hard questions. Anna asks her mom why God hasn’t healed her yet.
That's the question that really struck a chord with me. I've often wrestled with the question of why I haven't been healed. I believe very strongly in divine healing. I've seen it happen in the lives of others, and I have prayed for it many times. I've wondered am I doing something wrong to block the healing or is this just part of God's plan for my life?
I've heard people say it's always God's will to heal. I've tried to believe that. I want to believe that. Still, I have to wonder if God has a purpose for me just as I am. I choose to believe the latter based on Romans 8:28: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
In the movie, while Anna was sick, she had opportunity to share Jesus with her roommate in the hospital. Her little friend, Haley, died, but her father shared that, even though he lost her, he saw an amazing change in his daughter. She was peaceful and not afraid to die. Her father saw such a change that he gave his own life to Jesus as well.
I believe God sometimes uses our trials to bring others to a life-changing experience with Himself. After my back surgery in 2014, I spent three months at a rehab center. While there, I met some great people, and I had the chance to share my story with them.
Thanks to my mom telling everyone that I had written a book about my life and faith in God, I sold several dozen copies of the book. Some said reading the book helped them find their own faith. One nurse in particular who bought the book for her mother said it impacted her mom's life and gave her a new outlook on life.
That reminds me of something I heard from gospel singer/pianist Gordon Mote, who was blind from birth. He said people are always asking him if he wanted God to heal him. I wish I could remember his exact words, but he said something to this effect: "Sure, I'd love to be able to see, but if God can use me as I am, I trust Him. God does know best."
My pastor echoed this sentiment when he said our plans aren't always God's plans, but God's plans are always best!! He said, "We have a limited view. We need to realize that our momentary judgment on the situation is colored by our own human limitations. We cannot see what God can see. He sees not only today, He sees tomorrow too. He doesn't do things the way we think He will, but His plans are always best."
Miracles From Heaven is a must-see movie. It will make you think and give you hope. It's definitely worth your time!
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