Miracles do happen even in the midst of tragedy

Photo: Gerald Farinas.

“Miracles do happen.”

It’s not just something we say in moments of awe—it’s a truth that lives deep in the theological bones of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

And the astonishing incident told in a recent CNN story reminds us why.

On a KLM flight bound for Amsterdam, a man suffered a heart attack midair. The plane was 30,000 feet above the earth—seemingly the worst possible place for a medical emergency.

But providence had something else in store.

On that same flight, seated among the passengers, was a cardiologist returning from a mission trip in Uganda where his non-profit provides medical care.

He wasn’t just any doctor, but a trained specialist with the exact knowledge and skill to intervene. He responded swiftly, stabilized the man, and saved his life.

And another thing! The doctor himself had a heart attack that delayed his original mission trip months before—putting him on this particular flight.

Coincidence?

No.

In our Reformed tradition, we call this providence—God’s active care in the unfolding of creation.

Sometimes God works in subtle nudges. Other times, in what seems like cosmic choreography, aligning the right people at the right time in the right place.

That’s not luck.

That’s grace.

Presbyterians don’t shy away from tragedy. We know that life is fragile and full of suffering.

But we also affirm something just as true: That God is always working—even through tragedy—to bring about something new.

Scripture is full of such turns: From the exile came a deeper faith, from the crucifixion came resurrection.

This is the heart of our theology!

God redeems.

The man on that flight had no idea what was coming. Neither did the cardiologist. But grace showed up. And isn’t that how God so often works?

Quietly.

Unexpectedly.

Miraculously.

So, yes—miracles happen. They don’t always come with flashes of lightning or parted seas.

Sometimes, they come with a steady heartbeat, a stranger’s skilled hands, and a reminder that even in the chaos, God is not absent.

Let us not underestimate how moments of despair can lead to moments of glory.

Let us not forget that every tragedy carries with it the possibility of a second chance.

And let us always remember that grace flies with us.

Read the full CNN story here: CNN.