Into the Fire

First of all, there is nothing like prayer. I know we've all prayed for miracles, for God's will to be accomplished, for healings, for salvations, for every kind of mercy and forgiveness. And sometimes it seems we must wait or the answer is no. Most Christians will tell you at times we get disheartened. We don't love God less. It's just that we don't get it. The big picture is high in the heavens or pie in the sky. We fail to understand the answer(s) to our plea(s).

Yesterday I requested prayer for my friend Betsy. Her surgery was scheduled for 7 AM and began on time. However, although what they found was exactly what they expected as far as size, it was something totally different than they suspected – and not as involved – which therefore required a small section of the matastisized area of her colon to be removed along with the cancerous mass and then just stitched it up. They got it all. And although the recommendation is for follow-up chemotherapy, the surgeon says she should be fine. As in non life threatening. As in far less damage than was originally diagnosed. As in a positive result with a textbook surgery. Why? Because people like you prayed for Betsy. Because God listens to His people's prayers. Because God loves Betsy. And because you and I know this is a testimony to what He can do when just the opposite is expected. And we say "Praise the Lord" and "Thank you, Jesus" because we know from where all good and perfect gifts come.

Good reports of answers to prayer tend to move our faith meters up a notch. So many times we contend with the opposite answers and work through situations which nag at us and, whether justified or not, lose a bit of our faith in the process.

I'm honored that you would take up your shield of faith and bear your armor to battle in prayer for my friend Betsy, for Lee Hough, for Vince Flynn, and/or Sandi Rog. All of us need each others' prayers, especially when disease and sickness strike at our fragility. And I'm so grateful to God to give you a good report to encourage you to keep "praying for all the saints" and those who've yet to accept the true physician. Thank you from my heart for your prayers.

God, please continue the healing in Betsy's body, soul, and spirit. May she know you, Jesus, as you wish to be known. May your mercy accompany her recovery. May the good reports continue. Thank you for loving Betsy, Lord. Holy Spirit, draw her to your side. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.