In June 2023, I attended a family party to honor my niece’s graduation from high school. While there, Aunt Jane noted that Isabel’s color wasn’t quite right. Isabel is my granddaughter. This led to a closer look, a call to the doctor’s office, and ultimately an emergency trip to the hospital.

Isabel became an immediate patient and was soon diagnosed with leukemia, a life-threatening and scary diagnosis.

A two-year journey of challenge, heartbreak, sadness, pain, and ultimately joy and restoration began. During her illness, Isabel encountered caring professionals, including the doctor who diagnosed her and the nurses who cared for her. She also had family who deeply loved and supported her. Without their attention, treatments, and making sure she was following the regimen for healing, the positive result might never have occurred.

Of course, prayer and God’s amazing healing power made the ultimate difference.

It occurs to me that this scenario mirrors the Christian walk. Human beings are sinful – not just in action but in intention. Our hearts are not directed toward God and His purposes. From the time Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s one command, the human heart has entertained evil. It is important that this is observed, just as a loving relative noticed Isabel’s color.

Without that observation, Isabel might have not gone to the doctor and received the diagnosis that led ultimately to her healing. Awareness, diagnosis, surgery, treatment, healthy regimen, all sustained and directed by a loving Heavenly Father, culminated in Isabel ringing the bell, indicating victory over disease.

The Christian experience is similar. Awareness of sin is necessary before we can receive forgiveness. There is no point in being forgiven if we think we didn’t do anything wrong.

Once diagnosed, we can seek the cure that God provided. He sent His Son into the world to take everyone’s sins upon himself by dying for us on a cross. Isabel received new life and health, as do we through Jesus’ sacrifice. Just as we celebrated with Isabel as she rang the bell, Christians celebrate the Resurrection, healing, cleansing, and new life for eternity. But Isabel and her family had to hear the hard truth of her condition and take the necessary steps toward healing.

Again the parallel of faith applies.

Barb Yorks, First Presbyterian Church, Lewisburg