“The power of prayer is on the end of the hearer, not the speaker.” Jodi Detrick
We sometimes feel that if we could just muster up a truly powerful prayer, then our prayers would be answered in the way that we desire. I don’t know about you, but I just love a happy ending. A story with a pretty bow, tying all the ends together. Neat and tidy. But this isn’t life here on earth. And sometimes we are simply in the middle of a messy story that God hasn’t finished writing.
Reflection
Reflecting on the death and resurrection of Christ, I always feel for the disciples who had such great plans for their Savior. They imagined a kingdom here on earth. They desired for Jesus to make right what was wrong in their present moment. You and I are really no different. We want the same thing. We want justice, healing, kindness, love, provision, and so much more.
Suffering
I felt like the disciples this week when I sat in two separate doctor’s offices, one for my husband, one for my daughter. I thought: This isn’t the plan. Surely my daughter isn’t going to suffer just like her father has for years. Emily received the diagnosis of RF negative polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Physical suffering is not what I want for my 15-year-old daughter.
However, here we are living in a broken world and suffering is everywhere. Yes, I will pray that God heals her—I know He can—I also know that her healing doesn’t depend on my powerful prayer. It depends on the power of God. The power of His resurrection. The power of His name.
I also know that there’s something amazing about suffering. Through our trials we have this incredible choice to develop the character of Christ that brings life or a bitterness that brings death.
In our sorrow we can draw near to God, and He will draw near to us. (James 4:8)
Paul says it best:
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Jesus
The heart of this prayer is what’s truly powerful: Knowing Jesus is everything. If my plans are lost. Jesus. If my heart is broken. Jesus. If people despise me. Jesus. If I’m suffering. Jesus.
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings. Knowing Jesus is everything!
Knowing Jesus, his resurrection, his sufferings.#powerfulprayer Click To TweetIf you’ve never given your life to Jesus, today is the perfect day to do so. Say yes to Him. Surrender your way for God’s way. Accept His free offer of forgiveness.
We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us… 1 John 3: 16 (NLT)
If you are ready to turn your life over to Jesus, I’d love to hear from you! Comment below or email me at [email protected] If you need prayer for a season of suffering, comment below and I’ll pray with you.
Becky Hines says
Dearest Angela. How we will pray for your daughter and your husband and you yourself. Jesus will see you through this and healing is guaranteed through His blood. The timing is up to our loving Father in Heaven. We are so sorry hear about Emily’s situation, but know that she is in the hands of the healer, and HE has given her the perfect parents and grandparents to help her here on earth. Know you are all loved!
Angela Howard says
Thank you for reaching out with your kind words and prayer for my family Becky! I appreciate you saying that God has given Emily what she needs to help her through this time on earth. God is faithful and I appreciate your love!
adaughtersgiftoflove says
Angela, I too, pray for your husband and daughter and you as a mother and wife. You need His peace and strength. He already paid the price, and yes, He does things in His time. It was those lashes though that He bore for healing. Just receive from Him, all you need. His love and grace are inexhaustible as I have found out with my own health. Isaiah 53
Angela Howard says
Thank you for your kind encouragement Becky. I will read Isaiah 53 today. You are a blessing!
Beverly says
My prayers are with you and your family. Prayers can do wonders, no matter how we say them.
Thanks for sharing at Over The Moon Party.
Hugs,
Bev
Angela Howard says
Thank you Bev. I truly appreciate that.
Tiffany Parry says
I’m so sorry to hear about this difficult diagnosis, Angela. We hurt when our kids hurt. But your perspective is so honoring to God and must be such an encouragement for your sweet girl. God will write amazing things over her in spite of this condition, and He can do so many things in spite of us. So often we carry the burden believing healing and restoration are in our hands, when just as you said, God holds the power and He is able. Lifting your family in prayer, friend. xo
Angela Howard says
Thank you for your encouragement Tiffany! He is able :)
Kathy Erickson says
Watching your teenagers suffer is so devastating. It was a different situation, but we had a 15 year old who suffered that year. Sometimes all you can do is find a verse or phrase or lyric in a song to hold onto. Thanks for sharing. Every time I share about my daughter’s struggles I have three or four people shyly say that they have also been through it. We are so tempted to keep these things private and perpetuate the lie that all is perfect in our lives. Exposing our brokenness builds relationships with others.
Angela Howard says
I love that – brokenness build relationship with others. Why do we hide and think that people want a picture of a perfect life? Great insight. Thank you for reading and commenting Kathy!
Rachel Quigley says
Watching our kids come up against difficulty and pain is difficult. I’m the kind that wants to fix it and make it all better and somethings we just can’t fix and instead have to trust them to the Father. I will be praying for sweet Emily and for your family. Love and hugs to you friend!
Angela Howard says
So true Rachel. Thank you!
Doris Rody says
Angela I’m sorry it has taken me so long to view your message. I’m in the process of purchasing the house I’ve been renting here in Forks and that has been about all the paperwork I wanted to deal with.
I understand your need to create a perfect environment for your daughter. I ache for what could be ahead for her if the diagnoses is indeed correct but I am reminded to of the words in the bible that say your have not suffered to the point of death. Those are heavy words for which we would prefer not to have to experience. Instead I will be in prayer for you and Emily and remembering that God is our healer and trusting Him for his complete work in this situation.
Love to you my friend, Doris
Angela Howard says
You’re prayers are appreciated so much Doris as we must trust God in all things. Love to you!