Father, I am grateful to be where I am. So many others are struggling so – dealing with death, going through life-threatening health issues, and all from multiple angles. Father, give us strength and wisdom as we place our trust in You. Amen.

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Very early this morning, Maci a 5-year-old little girl took her final earthly breath. Before she was even born, her parents knew that she would not live very long. Upon her birth, because she only had half a heart, she was sent home to live out her few days, for her condition, coupled with other equally complicated conditions, was beyond the expertise of the pediatric surgeons close to home.

But God held up a finger and said, “Uh, not so fast! I have more in store for her!” And her family’s pediatrician reached out to colleagues at another facility far from home. And their expertise gave her parents hope! God was at work, for the Great Physician had plans for Maci. And she lived!

It was not a life without trial, but God had placed her in a home with a father of strong character, a mother who was an exceptional nurse, and a brother, who despite his young age, would love her without condition. For he and his new sister were loved in the same way. And this small family of faith pushed forward into the unknown, living each day to the fullest, taking advantage of each day given, never truly knowing which one would be her last.

That first surgery was quickly followed by another…and God’s hand was upon Maci. His hand was upon her mother, her father, her brother, and, over time, her little sister. There were many ups and downs but there was always faith and hope that the Great Physician would have his way and the miracle would continue.

Two years later, another surgery was needed. I would say it was extremely risky but her first surgeries had been, as well. The family knew that she may not live through them but again, God held her up…he sustained her throughout it all. And she thrived!

She was beautiful! She was cherished – and not just by her family! Her mom, as a means of expressing herself, as she made this difficult journey, went to social media to share where they were and her thoughts along the way. And word spread…and the love spread. As of this evening, her followers add up to over 122,000 people!

Maci’s life impacted – not just her own family, not just a few friends…but literally 1,000s of people! Praying, encouraging, loving – all of it directed toward one small child none of us had met.

And though her life was short – for after a time her life had radiated enough love that the Father felt it was time to call her home. Time and time again, He had intervened on her behalf, His life radiating through hers. But the time had come for her struggles to be over. His love was so great that it far exceeded His gift of loving family overflowing with unconditional love. It even exceeded the love of 1,000s who loved her from afar. He had prepared a place for this littlest of warriors to be…with Him, for all eternity. No more pain. No more “pokes”. Just wholeness and unconditional love for all of eternity.

Won’t you take a moment to pray with me this day for Maci’s mom…and her dad…and her brother and sister…and the rest of her family? They mourn but there is joy, as well, for they will see her again!

“For I know that my Redeemer lives,
And He shall stand at last on the earth;
And after my skin is destroyed, this I know,
That in my flesh I shall see God,
Whom I shall see for myself,
And my eyes shall behold, and not another.
|How my heart yearns within me!” Job 19:25-27 NKJV

Sept 19th, 2021, Sun, 5:54 pm