A few years ago, I wrote a blog post about God’s extravagant love. I reminisced about my experience one December when my boss and his wife treated the office staff to an afterno
on of pure extravagance. Each of us enjoyed a massage, a manicure, and a facial–along with a delicious lunch. Amazing! While being pampered, I couldn’t help but think about Christmas as the extravagant expression of God’s love for us. I feel humbled and in awe as I recall so many instances of being on the receiving end of His extravagant love.
This year, especially, I’m feeling overwhelmed with gratitude. That Randy’s aortic aneurysm was diagnosed and surgically repaired is nothing short of miraculous. More often than not, aneurysms like the one Randy had, aren’t discovered until it’s too late. There usually aren’t any warning symptoms. I had been nagging Randy to see a doctor about a chronic morning cough. He acquiesced and made an appointment. This led to a lung scan and an astute radiologist who discovered the heart problem. God’s extravagant love? No doubt in my mind whatsoever.
God is with Us!
Recently, I’ve observed a friend who is also experiencing God’s extravagant love. In August, my friend, who is a widow, sold her home. It had been an arduous process of down-sizing, selling furniture and other household items, and endless packing. After her house sold, she spent several weeks looking for a new home. Finally, she decided on relocating to Phoenix–not an easy move for someone who has lived in Washington state all her life.
In the midst of all this, my friend was diagnosed with a medical condition that required imminent surgery. She found herself in a strange place, not knowing anyone, waiting to move into her new home, and facing surgery! “Lord,” I prayed. “How can this be happening?” Even though I still don’t know the answer, I do know God is faithful. I have watched from a distance as He has carried my friend through. It turns out I have another friend who lives in Phoenix in the winter–and “coincidentally” in the same Washington town as my other friend in the summer. I told my friend who had recently moved about our mutual friend/acquaintance who also lived in Phoenix. Maybe she could help?
i contacted this friend to tell her about my other friend’s plight. She said she was more than happy to reach out to her. When she called me back, she explained, “I need to tell you about the geography of Phoenix so you can appreciate what I’m going to tell you next. Phoenix is large and sprawling. The distance from north to south is about the same distance as Tacoma to Everett–about 2 hours.”
My heart sank as I thought about the potential distance between my two friends. Just because they both lived in Phoenix, didn’t mean they were anywhere close. Except my friend continued, “Your friend lives 5 minutes away from us! Can you believe it?”
I wanted to cry as I thought, “What are the chances?”
God of the Impossible!
“Oh, very good chances, ” I sensed the Lord saying to me. His extravagant love shows up just when it’s most needed. He provides for us in the most unexpected and amazing ways. I have watched His extravagant love in action as my Phoenix friend has been God’s hands and feet to my friend transplanted from Washington. This scenario seemed hopelessly impossible–but then God and His extravagant love entered the equation.
The truth of Christmas–Immanuel–God is with us becomes tangible when we observe remarkable situations like what has happened in Phoenix. I think I’ve witnessed a true Christmas miracle!
Where has God’s extravagant love shown up for you?
