He works in mysterious ways…

…and somehow turns all things to His good purpose.

 

Tonight, over the phone, my father said words that I’ve waited years to hear. He began by relating the story of what had occurred this morning. My dad, my brother-in-law Jonathan, and Jonathan’s best friend Mark, went fishing in the icy waters of a river outside of Billings. My dad has been in Montana for a little less than a week helping Jonathan do some major remodeling of his kitchen and to spend some time relaxing.  They had planned this fishing trip since the weather was supposed to be particularly mild and the three of them LOVE to fish. All three were dressed warmly, long-johns, warm coats and tall waders to keep their legs dry. They took Jonathan’s boat out on the river and found the place they wanted to be. Dad and Jonathan were on one side of the river and Mark was on the other. After about a half hour and with no warning, Mark lost his balance, fell into the water and was swept downstream by the strong currents. He was swimming but having a tough time staying above the surface. And the water was COLD. As soon as Jonathan saw what was happening he began running toward Mark. Dad said that he’d never realized just how strong Jonathan was until he saw him running in the water as if it wasn’t even there. Then Jonathan started working across the river alternately running and swimming. He finally caught up to Mark and the two of them were swimming as hard as they could toward the shore. Dad untied the boat and began floating toward them, but they were already up on the bank by the time he reached them. They quickly built a fire and got Mark out of his wet clothes – Dad stripped off his top layer and put it on Mark – they were desperately trying to warm him up. Another couple came by and gave the guys their coats and some extra clothes they had. Mark was in terrible shape, shivering convulsively, vomiting and had trouble remaining conscious. After a little while though he began to warm. Dad and Jonathan muscled him into the boat and Jonathan rowed them at record speed down to where the truck was parked. They stowed the gear, tied the boat in the truckbed and sped off to an urgent care clinic. The doctor told them that they had done everything right and although he was recovering from hypothermic shock, Mark was going to be just fine.

 

After telling me this story, Dad said, “after what I witnessed today, there is no doubt in my mind that God exists.” He hasn’t been a believer since childhood – basically told me once that he just didn’t know and didn’t feel any urgency to investigate. Now – who knows? I cried when Jonathan and I talked about it – dad had said the same thing to him – and we both could hardly dare to imagine that God was actively trying to get my dad’s attention. Oh it filled my heart with joy and wonder.

 

Jonathan told me that he really had no memory of getting to Mark and actually couldn’t believe that he had, that Mark had been so far away by the time Jonathan started to run. He credits God with that. He also mentioned that he didn’t understand how Mark was in such bad shape but that other than being colder than he could remember, Jonathan was just fine. God apparently knew that my Dad couldn’t have handled two guys in hypothermic shock. The couple arriving when they did and having extra clothing was another miracle.

 

Tonight I’ll be saying some extra prayers. To thank God for Mark being ok, that Jonathan was there and was able to react so quickly, that Jonathan wasn’t hurt, that my father is ok. But mostly for showing Himself to my dad today – maybe opening his heart to discovering a relationship with Him – and strengthening the faith of me and my brother-in-law. He is so good, loving and faithful. I am in awe.