This past weekend, I was once again reminded of the power of prayer, and more than that—the power of our God. Last Tuesday, my friend’s mother’s heart stopped, and she collapsed. 911 was called, resuscitation work was done, and she was rushed to the hospital. The outlook was bleak, but the doctors and nurses worked to do everything they could for her. My friend reached out for prayer. Specifically, she asked for prayer for a miracle—prayer that God might bring her mom back to her full capacities. Our church body was contacted, and prayers for a miracle were lifted. With no meaningful responsiveness or recovery by Saturday morning and with the knowledge that her mom would rather go home to be with Jesus than remain in a state like she was, the family prepared to say goodbye. But, just as they were coming to peace with this new reality, God did something different—He started bringing her back to life. On Mother’s Day, instead of mourning their loss as expected, the family and hospital staff watched in amazement as her capacities returned, one after another. As one hospital worker put it, “This could only be the hand of God.” And, indeed, it was!
I wanted to share this story not only because it brought me great joy this week and caused me to stand in awe at the power of God, but also because it reminded me of what an incredibly kind and loving gift prayer is and encouraged me to seek God in prayer more fervently. Our God is not a distant God who cares little of us or who does whatever He pleases with no consideration of us. Rather, our God is a personal, relational God, who invites us to come and talk with him—to share the desires of our hearts, our needs, our wants, our frustrations, our sadness, our confusion, our hopes, and our cries for a miracle! Psalm 37:4-5 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act” (Psalm37:4-5). I loved watching my friend seek the Lord in this. I loved the faith the Lord gave her to believe He COULD do a miracle and the assurance He gave that it was safe for her to come to Him and ask for it! I loved that He gave her peace and prepared her heart to let her mom go if that is what would be best for her mom. And, I love that right after He gave her that peace and she committed her ways to Him, He acted, and delivered the Mother’s Day miracle she’d been asking for.
May you be encouraged today, as I was, to talk to God—to lift up whatever requests or burdens or hopes you have on your heart. May you find yourself in your Father’s loving arms, seeking Him and the good He has for you. And, as you lift your heart to Him, may you be assured by the truth of Jesus’ words: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Indeed, may you experience added joy, peace, and assurance as you spend time talking to Him today!
By Katie Miller
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