Helpless in a Hospital

A certain man was dying on the inside, leaving the most astute of medical minds in a quandary. Fearing he would not survive the weekend, his family gathered and each time he faded in and out of consciousness, he saw his pastor, praying, day and night. When the doctors could do no more, he suddenly improved and the sickness was gone. Prayer had prevailed where modern medicine could not.

In hearing the miracle story, one who had suffered a lifetime of illnesses, responded, “I have prayed and been prayed over by those more faithful than I. Where was God then? Where is my miracle?” Finding no words, I replied, “God is always here, but this may not be your time.”

Lord, please forgive my stumbling tongue and poor use of Your words. May her miracle manifest sooner than later and may You be glorified in her healing. Amen…

I have spent many nights, helpless in a hospital, with nothing but beeps, buzzers and the ear of the Creator of the Universe as company.

Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” Matthew 17:19-20 – NLT

Tears welled up as mountains in the distance stood still, mustard seeds exposing my lack of faith. Focusing on my need of a great Godly gesture, I failed to see the breeze cascading across the surface, carrying sand to the wind, making pebbles tumble. Mountains were moving but the small miracles in my hand were outweighed by my need at the moment. God holds the time and place of His healing in the palm of His hand, of which I may not understand until He explains it face to face. Miracles do not show up in the size or shape of our liking, wrapped in pretty paper and tied up in a bow.

When we do not hear an answer, are our prayers are ignored? Hardly. We are taught to be persistent in prayer and to make our requests known to God. Do our prayers touch God’s heart to where He would change the timing of our miracles? He is Almighty God and all things happen at the time of His choosing, so who am I to say? On the other hand, are we drawn to prayer in awareness of our need as His time is approaching? Have you ever been deeply dreaming when an upcoming sound turns out to be your alarm clock? Perhaps God’s timing is similar, anticipation resulting in the unexpected. The day of His triumphant return may just be the same.

This is what the Lord says: “In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you” … Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:8,13

Pray hard, be ready, miracles are closer than you think.

Your Grace, Your plan, Your time Lord.
Amen …

If these words have touched your heart, reach out to me at John@LiftedKeys.com and continue the conversation. I would love to know where and in what way God has guided His words through my pen.