God often performs healing miracles in our lives even though He may not heal us physically.
Women's Community Bible Study -
In trying to fulfill the deepest longings of our hearts, we sometimes seek the world’s answers. In the final installment of an eight-part series on knowing God’s will, teacher and Bible commentator Nancy McGuirk shares the story of Marcia, a woman who underwent a remarkable spiritual transformation before succumbing to cancer. Nancy reminds us that no earthly relationship, possession or achievement can ever satisfy our need for God, and God alone.
Marcia was a member of our women’s Bible Study group, who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. We looked prayerfully and expectantly to God for Marcia’s physical healing, while all along God was doing an inner healing in her life. During her debilitating illness, I watched Christ shine through Marcia in her brokenness.
God strengthened her capacity to love others. She and her husband, though divorced, were reconciled, and then remarried. Marcia made an all-out effort to make every relationship in her life right. She taught her children about Jesus and His love, and she began to love everyone she knew with God’s unconditional love. Although Marcia came to our Bible study to be ministered to, she ministered to everyone who was part of our group.
In the end, God did not choose to heal Marcia physically. When I attended her funeral I looked around a cathedral overflowing with people. Her family members were all holding hands as Marcia’s casket was brought down the aisle to begin the funeral service. It was at that moment that I realized something very important: God performed the real miracle in Marcia’s life within her heart, and in the hearts of many of her loved ones.
God had led her to obediently and victoriously accept that which she could not change. Marcia willingly presented her body as a living sacrifice to God, trusting Him every step of the way. Many of those who knew her followed her outstanding example of faith. God had transformed a woman who was self-sufficient, insecure and full of doubts, into a person full of confidence, humility, love and trust.
Why is it that sometimes we don’t realize that God is all we need until He’s all we have? What would happen if tomorrow were your appointed time to die? Do you want your life to make a difference for Christ? Do you truly desire to know God’s will for your life?
Perhaps you are saying to yourself, “But what can I do?” Remember that your abilities are not what matter to God. Rather, your willingness of heart is what God looks upon. Are you willing to do whatever God wants you to do? Will you say whatever He wants you to say? Will you go wherever He wants you to go? Have you asked Christ to transform your life?
No one and nothing can fill your deepest need for God. A husband can’t. Neither can children, friends, possessions or achievements. Only the love of Christ can fill that void. What is God’s will for your life? It begins and ends with your personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.
(See below for other related articles in this series.)
Nancy McGuirk - Bible commentator, small group facilitator, and intercessor - is the founder and director of the Women's Community Bible Study International. Nancy ministers to thousands of people each week in person and through a video and audio tape ministry. The focus of her work is evangelism, discipleship and intercessory prayer. For more articles by Nancy McGuirk, go to her website at Women’s Community Bible Study a Christianity.com ministry partner.
