Miracles in Instalments

The outpouring of sympathy, prayers and help must have been an overwhelming experience for the family of Roderick Catuday. Charity in the form of money brought NZ$45,000.00, short of NZ$105,000.00 required to commence the operation and medication of the cancer-stricken Roderick.  More activities – like garage sales and concerts  - were lined-up by helpful individuals determined to reach the seemingly unreachable target. Yet God, seeing the unity and hopefulness of His people, performed a miracle. He enlightened the Visa Officer who approved the two-year work visa of Roderick, thereby making him qualified for government funding for the cost of treatment at NZ$150,000.
In October last year, Len Reyes, who had a 7 month-old baby in her womb, was diagnosed with pituitary gland tumour.  A delay in the surgery could have resulted in the complete blindness, if not death, of the mother. There was a slim chance of saving the baby.  When the child was delivered, Len had severe sepsis and septic shock that required her to be transferred to the critical care unit. Brethren in the Couples for Christ, friends and acquaintances sought God’s intercession in the difficult hours and the Lord performed not just one, but two miracles: Len and baby Yana survived. After nearly six months since those agonising days, both mother and child enjoy their lives in the company of family and friends.

Praise God for His mighty deeds! “Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:4)

Even with the Lord’s wonderful works, Roderick, who has begun treatment, has yet to be healed of cancer, while the Reyes family have still to settle unpaid hospital bills of approximately NZ$35,000.00, which cannot be covered by government funding.

God’s miracles can come either in full or in instalments. In many instances during his ministry, Jesus healed instantly those who had faith in Him. There are times though that God does not grant miracles. In the passage, “(Paul) left Trophimus sick at Miletus” (2 Timothy 4:20), St Paul, who performed miracles, acknowledges a time when God did not grant a miracle. There are times too when God performs miracles in instalments, as shown in the situation of Roderick and Len.  

What moves God to perform miracles? One is faith in Him like the woman who had a hemorrhage for twelve years and touched the fringe of Jesus’ cloak. And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." (Luke 8:48) So did the enthusiasm of the crowds wanting to learn, listen and be healed by Him. “...but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.”  (Luke 9:11) For God has compassion for His people. “Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” (Matthew 14:14)

Let us with faith and enthusiasm continue to pray for the healing of Roderick as we call on God to enlighten those in abundance to help Len. “If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion – how can God’s love be in that person?” (1 John 3:17)

The Lord did not fail those who believed in Him in the past. He will not fail us now. “So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands.” (Psalm 78:7)

by Mel Libre