A Modern Woman's Perspective On The Kingdom of God on Earth


March 21, 2014

Prayer Needed For One Of Our Own

     When I received the prompting to begin writing this blog, the purpose was two-fold: to let those who found their way to this site know they were not alone in their apprehensions about the world; and to glorify our Sovereign God, who sustains us in these times of trouble.
     It has been my extreme blessing to have come to know many of you; whether through your continuous comments on my posts, or your decision to contact me on a more personal level through the email link on the site.  It has been my privilege to get to know you intimately; some of you by real names, others by pseudonyms -- either way, there has been a connection made that is real and genuine.  And you are all indeed true friends.  But there is one person who has come to represent you all, because God made it possible for us to meet in person, and to exhibit His will that we are all one in relation to each other and His body.  By arranging our union, He sealed us all together.
     From the beginning, the Green-Eyed Jinn confirmed that this blog was meant to be; that God had a purpose for it.  His erudite comments added to the substance of my words, and his loyalty and encouragement made me want to write my best.  He was the first among many of you that have become  active in contributing to the message that this blog is meant to convey.  And he joins a special group of you that have shown me God's presence in our correspondence.
     So I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when he "just happened" to be visiting my part of the country on a work assignment.  My husband and I agreed to travel the two hours to have dinner with him, and it was at that first meeting that I realized that all of you are not just "virtual", computer-generated contacts, but real flesh and blood.  And we are making real relationships, and getting beyond mere formalities.  We know each other, we care about each other, and there are real connections being made.  And it is no coincidence that we have found each other.
     And now one of our "family" needs us to pray for him.  Joe (that's his real name) emailed me several weeks ago with some serious concerns about his wife, Debbie's health.  She had unexplained pain in her back that was debilitating and increasing to the point that they sought a medical opinion.  Through a series of tests, they thought they were dealing with one form of cancer, only to be told the tests were wrong and new tests would be needed.  There was a ray of hope that perhaps it wasn't as serious as they thought.
     But a few days ago I received an email from Joe that broke my heart.  The latest news from the oncologist was about as bad as it could be.  I won't go into the details, because I don't want to betray Joe's confidence, but suffice it say that he is overcome with worry.  He confided that "normal" no longer exists in their household.  He is carrying a huge burden in caring for his wife and sheltering three children from the pain of the diagnosis.  He asked me for continued prayers for his wife, but also revealed that he needs them, too.  His words, "I am devastated", tell it all.
     So that's why I am turning to you.  Joe asked me to pray for his family and I promised him that not only would I be praying, but that I would call upon all who believe in the power of our Lord to heal to join me.  I have reached out to my local Prayer Warriors, who I know will be faithful to my request.  But I will admit that I have felt inadequate in my words of comfort to Joe.
     Today, I found myself awake in the early hours before dawn; tossing and turning with Joe and Debbie on my mind and searching for ways to reassure them.  I asked God to help me find the words; to show me how I am to lift them up.  That's when the Holy Spirit said, "Take this to my Body", and I knew that all of you were the ones who could help Joe shoulder this burden.
     At times I have been overwhelmed with the number of readers of my simple blog.  And I have been astounded at the places you call home.  Just this week, you have logged in from China, Ukraine, France, Canada, Germany, Iran, the United Kingdom, Poland and Indonesia.  And at this very moment, you are reading this post from Austria, Australia and Romania.  I am not egotistical enough to think it is because of my own abilities that you have found your way to this site.  But, in my spirit, I know that it is God using this blog for His will and purpose and to glorify Himself.
     So I truly believe that if you read this blog, we are all one in the Body of Christ; we are a family of Believers.  I want to make good on my promise to Joe that he and his family will be lifted up in prayer; so will you join me, from every corner of God's world, in praying for a miracle for Debbie?  It doesn't matter that you don't have all the details, or know their last names.  God will know on whose behalf we are all interceding.  Let's astound the doctors with a miraculous healing, and show Joe that he is not alone.  And that, after all, will accomplish everything this blog is meant to be and fulfill His purpose for it.  God Bless you all!

Psalm 116:1-2    "I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live."

6 comments:

  1. Thank you Belle. I've been blessed to know you and PLW.

    And please God, bless & heal my wife.

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  2. Belle,

    Thank you for sharing Joe and Debbie's need for prayer. I just want Debbie and Joe to know that I'm there in prayer for them. I will be asking others to pray for them as well this day. Prayer is powerful! I have complete confidence that God is hearing prayers for them and God will bring them hope and happiness. God can heal, we just need to believe that His power is above all and so is His will. Look forward to God's blessings.

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  3. Joe, my prayer has been added to yours. May God bless and keep you and yours.

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  4. Prayers for Joe, Debbie, and their whole family. You're in our thoughts and hearts.

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  5. Prayers and Blessings will be expressed tonight and many nights.
    My heart goes out to Joe, Debbie and family.
    Hugs

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  6. I will be remembering Joe and Debbie in my prayers. Joe, I have been in your shoes, when we received the same sort of news about my husband. I pray that you will feel the Lord holding you in His strong arms as you go forward with your wife and children through this. He is mighty to save, and He is able to provide you with all the strength and peace that you require, one day at a time. May God bless each of you through this.

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