“MORE” Healing Beyond the Pages: The Unwritten Acts of Jesus
“MORE”
The concluding verses of the Gospel of John, particularly John 21:24-25, hold a profound depth that invites contemplation and introspection. They read: “This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” These verses not only serve as a testament to the life of Jesus but also prompts us to consider the vastness of His impact beyond what is recorded in scripture. The “more” that Jesus did, especially the work in the hearts of individuals - surpasses the limitations of His physical presence and the written word. Let me illustrate this through my personal story.
The evening of January 12, 2024, my wife Gail and I faced a significant point in our lives—a moment where time seemed to freeze, yet the world around us continued to whirl at a dizzying pace. As we sat in the sterile confines of the emergency room, the weight of the diagnosis hung heavy in the air, like a dark cloud threatening to envelop us. Gail had always been the steady hand in our relationship, the calm amidst the chaos. Yet, that evening, a palpable shift occurred. While I felt darkness seep into my soul, Gail remained resolute, her faith in God unwavering.
She often reminded me that God had written our story before we even took our first breath, a narrative filled with purpose, hope, and divine orchestration. In that moment of despair, her faith became a beacon, guiding us through the murky waters of uncertainty. I began to reflect on the multitude of stories contained within Scripture - stories of healing, redemption, and God’s relentless pursuit of His people. It struck me that while we found solace in these narratives, our story was uniquely ours—crafted by the Master Author with the ink of love and purpose.
John 21:25 resonates deeply as it encapsulates the essence of God’s boundless work in our lives. The verse suggests that if all the acts of Jesus were recorded, the world itself could not contain the volumes of His deeds. This idea became a lens through which I viewed our journey. It wasn’t merely about the cancer that threatened to steal Gail away; it was about the myriad of ways God was moving in our lives, transcending the confines of our situation.
As we processed Gail's diagnosis, we entered a season of reflection and growth. Each day became a new chapter in our story. We engaged in deep conversations about life, love, faith, and the fragility of human existence. We revisited the stories of those in the Bible who faced insurmountable odds, drawing strength from their experiences. We observed how God provided for them in their darkest hours and how their faith was often rewarded with miraculous outcomes, while also recognizing that some stories ended in loss, but were still filled with purpose.
Through this realization, we began to see our situation in a new light. Perhaps God was not just working to heal Gail; perhaps His purpose was broader and deeper than we could comprehend. We learned to embrace the "more" Jesus was doing in our lives, even if it didn’t match our hopes. The nine months that followed her diagnosis became a tapestry of experiences woven together by divine threads. We laughed, cried, prayed, and leaned on each other in ways we had never done before.
During our hospital visits, we encountered other families navigating their own storms. We shared stories of hope and despair, of faith and doubt. Through these interactions, we witnessed the body of Christ in action. People rallied around us, offering support, meals, prayers, and love. It became clear that God was weaving a narrative that included our community, friends, and family. Each act of kindness and each prayer lifted was a testament to His goodness - a reflection of the "more" that could not fit into the world’s books.
As Gail’s health declined because of the chemotherapy, we found ourselves in a sacred space—a space where love and pain danced together, where grief and gratitude intertwined. In the quiet moments, we would sit holding hands, sharing our hopes and dreams. Gail expressed her desire to leave a legacy rooted in faith, love, and resilience for our children and grandchildren.
During these poignant moments, I began to grasp a deeper understanding of our unique story. It wasn't just about battling cancer; it was about how we faced adversity, how we leaned into our faith, and how we experienced God’s presence in our lives. It struck me that perhaps, in the vastness of heaven, God has a library of congress section where our story dwells alongside a myriad of others—each tale woven into the grand tapestry of His creation. We found comfort in knowing that while our story differed from biblical narratives, it was still part of this divine collection.
As the months passed, I came to appreciate the moments that could have gone unnoticed—the sunsets we watched together, the laughter we shared, the quiet evenings spent reading the Word. Each moment became a cherished memory, a reminder of God’s grace in our lives. We documented our journey, capturing lessons learned and faith strengthened through adversity. This act became a way of honoring our story, a testament to the "more" that God was doing in and through us.
Today, Gail is cancer free. Reflecting on our journey, we realized that God had indeed written a story in us, one filled with trials, triumphs, and the profound understanding of His love. Just as John 21:25 states, the fullness of what God does in our lives cannot be contained in a single narrative. Our experiences, intertwined with the stories of others, create a mosaic of faith that reveals the heart of God in a chaotic world.
Our story reminds us that God is always at work, even in the darkest moments. He is writing a narrative uniquely ours - but penned on our hearts, filled with purpose. While the world’s books may not be able to contain all He does, we find solace in knowing that every chapter, moment, and lesson is a part of His divine plan. As the librarians of our own stories, may we always remember to lean into His guiding hand and trust in the "more" that He is doing in our lives.
Imagine stepping into an infinite library, where instead of walls, there are endless shelves filled with countless books. Each volume represents the lives of all who have lived and those yet to be born. Within these pages are stories of billions of people, where every pleasure and every pain each has ever experienced has been captured. This vast collection stretches beyond sight, encompassing every moment of every life, all intricately woven together by Jesus Himself. It is like looking into a giant mirror reflecting His "more" hinting at the richness of life and the stories that shape existence.
In my book titled “MORE… The Unwritten Acts of Jesus”, I will explore the notion that as it was with us, Jesus’ influence extends far beyond the pages of the Bible. His ability to heal the hurt, welcome home the castaway, and change lives testifies to the divine nature of His ministry. This restorative work is not confined to the miracles documented in the Gospels; it is an ongoing process that continues to shape humanity today.[1]
[1] (The author understands the verb “did” is in the aorist tense indicating the action was completed in the past. Also, In Romans 8:30 and Matthew 25:40, the verbs "did" reflect the aorist tense, indicating that the actions were completed in the past. This grammatical choice underscores the significance of past deeds, yet it does not negate the potential for future acts of service and grace. As John highlights in his writings, Jesus manifested acts of love and compassion even miraculously, suggesting that while the foundational actions are complete, the ongoing expression of faith will persist, allowing for the line of reasoning that Jesus continuously, and similarly engages in the service of His own.)