Christ…The Reason for the Season
On an ordinary night while cleaning my kitchen, I heard God speak directly to me. He told me I would donate a life-saving kidney to a man I didn’t know, David Ensley. And that’s exactly what happened.
David and I were a 1-in-20 million miracle. We were such a close physical match we should’ve been siblings. It was as if God made my kidney for him.
After countless tests, my surgical team approved me for the transplant. David’s doctor, however, denied me as a donor. The MRI showed two small arteries on the top of both my kidneys and he wasn’t sure if he would be able to reattach it. If he couldn’t, he couldn’t guarantee how much kidney function would be lost as a result.
David, diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease, was in complete renal failure and needed a kidney transplant. He had been on dialysis for many years, but unfortunately, it quit working.
We found out about the denial on Friday afternoon. The following Monday my church had a scheduled monthly healing service. My husband and I had already planned to attend the service with David’s sister, Jennifer, and her husband, Sean, before the news on Friday, so we decided to go regardless. David, too sick to come, stayed home.
Sadly, this was the first time Chuck and I had attended a healing service at our church. Jennifer commented she’d never been to one at hers either. We were willing to try anything because David’s health was rapidly declining, and he needed a new kidney as soon as possible. The only answer I knew was to pray.
Walking into the dimly lit sanctuary, people sat in quiet reflection. The music swirled around the room in a meditative melody. We found a seat toward the back as a minister began reciting healing scriptures. In the background, someone strummed music on a guitar.
As the minister continued to recite scripture, people made their way to the front for laying-on-of-hands and personal prayers from a prayer team member. We waited in line for our turn and then gave the prayer member the condensed version of our story.
Jennifer and I were instructed to sit in chairs facing each other, our knees barely touching as we held hands. Then the two of the prayer members laid hands on us and asked Chuck and Sean to do the same. They prayed, and to be honest, I don’t remember what was said; but a sense of safety, comfort and peace flooded my spirit.
We left there that night with a different perspective. We believed God was in control, and He would heal David with my kidney.
Three days later, David and I were approved for surgery and three weeks later on July 6, 2011, as I walked to the pre-op room before the transplant surgery, I murmured, “Thank you, God!” (Oh and by the way– David’s new kidney functions at 100% even though the doctor couldn’t re-attach the extra artery. God is good!)
I tell you this story because it’s part of my “spiritual legacy.” God works in our lives, and He requires us to shout His miracles from the rooftops.
“What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight, what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.” Matthew 10:27
What is your spiritual legacy?
Our spiritual legacies are the miracles of Christ in our life. They are the reasons we believe.
With Christmas around the corner, we are reminded of the biggest legacy of all – the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
How has Christ worked in your life? And who have you told?
Maybe you haven’t donated a kidney to a stranger, but maybe you’ve kissed a scraped knee and made it all better. Or maybe you gave your last dollar to someone in need. Or maybe you helped an elderly lady carry her groceries. Or maybe you’ve told your three-year-old the story of Jesus’ birthday.
God instructs us to “teach our children the word of God while we sit at home, when we walk, lie down and get up. We’re to write It on the doorframe of our house and gates so our days and the days of our children will be many.” Deuteronomy 11:19-21
If we don’t tell our children about the miracles of God, who will? A gang member? A drug dealer? A prison guard?
The love of Christ is the “reason for the season.” Be His love.
Tell your family and friends about your spiritual legacy today. Don’t wait…shout it now!
