Our Pastors went to a prayer conference last week and came back FIRED UP for The Lord. And on Sunday, our senior pastor preached a sermon straight from his heart--a sermon that although was meant for our church as a whole, I couldn't help but think about how it applied directly to our lives. 
The part that got me thinking was when he spoke of "crying out to the Lord," being literally on our faces before God praying . . . I used to do that on Clayton's behalf. Used to EXPECT the miracle of complete healing. But I have to admit that as the years have passed, I've started praying for just the little things--Lord, help Clayton make it 30 minutes in his stander today. Lord, help me have the strength and energy to get Clayton in and out of the car on our errands today. Lord, please keep Clayton calm while we are in this strange place. Lord, please help his legs loosen up so we can get his diaper and pants on this morning. These prayers are so different from LORD, WIPE THE BRAIN DAMAGE AWAY! LET HIM WALK LIKE EVERYONE ELSE!!! Does that mean I'm accepting God's plan or does it mean I've given up?? Up until Sunday, I thought it meant accepting His will. And maybe it is, but that doesn't mean that I need to stop praying and crying out for the BIG miracle!
The part that got me thinking was when he spoke of "crying out to the Lord," being literally on our faces before God praying . . . I used to do that on Clayton's behalf. Used to EXPECT the miracle of complete healing. But I have to admit that as the years have passed, I've started praying for just the little things--Lord, help Clayton make it 30 minutes in his stander today. Lord, help me have the strength and energy to get Clayton in and out of the car on our errands today. Lord, please keep Clayton calm while we are in this strange place. Lord, please help his legs loosen up so we can get his diaper and pants on this morning. These prayers are so different from LORD, WIPE THE BRAIN DAMAGE AWAY! LET HIM WALK LIKE EVERYONE ELSE!!! Does that mean I'm accepting God's plan or does it mean I've given up?? Up until Sunday, I thought it meant accepting His will. And maybe it is, but that doesn't mean that I need to stop praying and crying out for the BIG miracle!How can I look at my precious child and NOT plead and intercede on his behalf?!
Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:24b
7 comments:
You said perfectly the trap I've fallen into as well. There was a post on another blog a while back that I've been thinking about lately with a similar spirit as to what you posted here. I was actually thinking of the past post today and maybe I'm giving up. Then, this post. I think God is coming across loud and clear to me today - keep praying for the miracle! Wouldn't it be great to let Him work the miracle and bring more people to Him through our child's journey. Thanks for posting this.
Me again. Here is the link to the post I mentioned in case you want to look at it:
http://kinnickandcarver.blogspot.com/2009/05/devotional-on-prayer.html
First, I have to say that picture is so cute!
Second, I have to thank you for sharing your thoughts about your pleadings with the Lord for a miracle.
I believe your answers will come in the Lord's timing. And he always comes on the 4th watch. I keep planning on doing a sacred sunday post about my feelings about that. It relates to scriptures in Matthew, when the Lord doesn't come in the 1st, 2nd, or even 3rd shift of the night. He comes during the last shift of the night.
I truly believe that our faith is put into practice for as long as we are capable, and just when we think we can't take it any longer, the prayer will be answered.
Miracles have not ceased.
Thank you for reminding me!
Your post brought tears to my eyes Ashley. I love you guys and am praying for that miracle for Clayton as well!
Great post! I don't think I have ever prayed for Emily's complete healing. I have prayed for "little" things along the way, but the thought of her being completely healed didn't really occur to me. That makes me sad. I feel like my faith has grown tremendously since Emily was born, but if that is the case - why wouldn't I have prayed for a miracle? This really gives me something to think about!
AMEN!
Wow. I, too, pray for the little things for my Chloe. And every now and then, I get a renewed urgency to pray for complete healing. "Maybe now's the time!" I think. But then pretty quickly I tire of requesting such a huge thing, and my faith wanes. I often struggle with whether I should pray for complete healing. I wonder, "Does my praying for healing mean I'm not totally okay with who Chloe is right now?" It's a tough one for sure! Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone in that faith struggle.
Kelly
http://www.ourordinaryday.wordpress.com
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