Prayer as a lifeline...

          I know I seem to be writing a lot about this over the past few weeks, but I have come to personally discover over the years the importance and power of prayer. As I searched for something to share, I found myself right back at 700 Club videos. I perused the video transcripts and one finally caught my attention.
          It was the story of a baby born with a defective heart. The rare defect was discovered during a routine pregnancy check at the doctor. The parents, Angie and Jordan, felt immediate discouragement and despair. Their baby, Blair, would require several corrective surgeries at birth just to survive. At eight days old she underwent open heart surgery. It was then that the doctors discovered that pulmonary stenosis had disabled the healthy side of her heart. She would now need a heart transplant. Her parents were devastated but as difficult as it was, they held on to their faith and to prayer like a lifeline. As Angie put it, prayer is their backbone and it was the only thing they could do to help their baby. 
          As I think of a parallel story to add to this, I remember the woman who offered hospitality to the prophet, Elisha, whenever he passed her way (2 Kings 4:8-37). She even encouraged her husband to build a room to further accommodate him whenever he came to their home. As a reward for her kindness, Elisha promised that she would have a child. The promise was realized at the appointed time. When the child became older, he fell ill one day and died. The woman went directly to the man of God seeking help. He prayed earnestly for him and he was restored to life.
          What I find interesting is the fact that the woman did not simply accept the death of her child. She went straight to the man of God who had given her the promise of a child. It was as if she knew he could help, he could go to God on her behalf and God would do something. Death did not stop her, and along the way, when asked if everything was okay, she responded, “It is well.” Her confidence was in a God who could do the impossible. In fact, as far as she was probably concerned, if God had promised her a child He was well able to take care of him.
          Where is your hope and confidence today? Yes, it is so easy to be overwhelmed by the reality of the situation. In my own life, various situations at times overwhelm and seem to dim my resolve and my faith. This morning, as I got up to do my devotions, an attack from the enemy came in the form of discouragement and depression that was truly difficult to shake. I remembered certain situations that had taken place, and while I was not wrong in the way I handled it, I felt I could have handled it better. I then spoke words that were a reflection of how I was feeling. I was being honest with God but I felt a certain hesitation to actually speak the words. After a short time, I felt the Holy Spirit saying to me: “Read.” He knew I was overwhelmed and could not pray as I should. I obeyed. I started reading the Bible where I had left off the day before.
​          It was the story of king Saul’s death in battle. A young man tried to take the credit for his death hoping to get a reward from David by falsely declaring that he had in fact killed king Saul. Instead of a reward David had him executed for killing the Lord’s anointed. His words ended up bringing about his own death (2 Samuel 1:1-16)! I got the picture. God wanted me to be careful with what I was speaking over myself. I repented and changed my words. Although I felt the way I did – and there is nothing wrong with honest confession – at that point, God simply wanted me to speak positive words over myself, His words that speak of who I am in Him not who I believe I am. I had chosen to go to God in prayer in the midst of my situation – not to anything or anyone else - and when I did he got me back on track and those negative feelings were lifted. 
          Prayer will always be one of our most powerful weapons. Who are you turning to today in the face of crushing and difficult circumstances? Prayer always points us to God, to the One with just the answer we need. Baby Blair’s parents held on firmly to prayer and the doctors successfully found a heart donor for her. I held on firmly to God and my discouragement and depression were lifted. God answers with exactly what we need when we need it.
          If you have not made the decision to ask Jesus to come into your life to be your Lord and Saviour, I encourage you to do so now. We all need a God we can turn to in difficult, even impossible times, a God who will give us the strength, support and hope we need.

---