Family reunions. Feasting on scrumptious dishes. Fun, fun, fun! It’s the holiday season and for most, a joyous time of year.

As a teenager looking forward to Thanksgiving, I remember when our family received a phone call that changed our lives forever. My Dad’s sister had been in a terrible car accident and was airlifted to the nearest hospital. After hours of surgery had passed, my family was told that my Aunt was paralyzed and would never walk again. To say we were in shock and disbelief is an understatement.

What helped us through those emotions, however, was the amount of prayer and support we received from our church family. Brothers and sisters in Christ stood in the gap for our family and interceded for my Aunt and for her to regain the ability to walk. Scriptures I had learned as a child began to come alive for me through this experience as I saw “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)

I was amazed by how the prognosis given to my Aunt did not discourage her or leave her defeated. In fact, I realized her anthem became “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) I watched as she aggressively worked towards becoming stronger in spite of the pain and limitations. Her attitude reflected, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)

Throughout this life altering experience, it became a reality to me that God is our Source and our Hope. God also revealed how “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16) We witnessed a miracle as we saw the Lord fully restore my Aunt with the ability to walk! “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

I am grateful “the Word of God is alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12). Every word is true with promises for us to hold onto no matter the season. We may have experienced pain and tragedy, but joy came in the morning as we witnessed my Aunt resume life as wife and mother and eventually, return to work full-time.