“JUST” PRAY?

James 5:16 - …the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Right off the bat, let me say, “Thank you” to all who have prayed for our son-in-law these past weeks and “Thank you and Praise your Holy Name!” to our God who said, “OK”.

For all those times you felt helpless and wished you knew what you could do to make things better for yourself or for someone you loved, let me tell you what the Holy Spirit did through YOU:

Our daughter’s husband unknowingly began a new chapter in his life recently on an average Sunday when his legs gave out, for no apparent reason, causing him to fall.  It seemed a little odd, but not much thought was given to it….until he fell again on Monday…then on Tuesday….twice!  He was not running, not on the ice, no obstruction caused him to trip and fall.  His brain was telling his body to walk, but his legs would simply NOT.  On Tuesday morning, he fell while just standing by his bed and putting his shirt on.  By Wednesday, he was unable to pass a sock from one hand to the other without his hand giving way.  Diagnostic testing wasn’t painting a very pretty picture as he was failing many of them.  His neurologist advised him to get to the ER in St. Louis immediately.  She suspected a syndrome which attacks the nervous system was the cause and warned that if so, he could “go downhill real fast!” 

So we made a mad dash to St. Louis, trying to walk in faith, but barely able to fight off the fear of what this could mean.  We all began spreading the word to our church families and prayer chains everywhere and people began praying.  It was 11:00 p.m. when I received a text from my dad saying he had been impressed by the Spirit to speak in faith that Tyler “would be alright.”  I thanked Dad for his encouragement but didn’t realize the magnitude of what he was saying. 

The next three days were spent in a multitude of tests, ALL of which came back normal.  The medical experts could not explain it, only to say that it must have been a post-viral infection and his body is just “correcting itself”.  But we do not believe in coincidence.  This syndrome was progressing rapidly until after church on Wednesday night, then immediately stopped in its tracks.  “JUST” pray?

He has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, but we know it was the prayers of the people and the grace of God that stopped it early and limited it to a mild case.  He still has a long road to recovery ahead so keep those prayers coming.  We know that will make all the difference.

Here’s the Thing:  I cannot think of one single person in a position of power that would allow me to waltz right into their office, unannounced, and hear my request.  And yet, the Creator of the universe has invited me to “come boldly to the throne of grace”  and He has promised to do more than I can even ask or imagine!  Father, forgive me for taking prayer for granted and often treating it like the last resort.  Jesus said, “Without me, you can do nothing.”  But, “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!”  My limitations equal the limitations of the Holy Spirit…which is zero!  All or nothing?  I choose ALL!

Here’s another Thing: One day, while driving down the road, I was overwhelmed with thankfulness at the way my daughter’s life is turning out.  God has given her such a wonderful, Godly, man to lead her.  He really does read his Bible and pray and seek God’s face.  He is full of  integrity and has a heart to bless others and give to those in need.  He is truly amazing!  And then God spoke to me:  "Didn’t you spend hours rocking in the chair and pacing the floor with your baby girl 20 years ago, asking me to take care of her and guide her life?  Didn’t you ask me to send her a Godly man someday? Why are you so surprised?"  “JUST” PRAY?