I recently returned from visiting my parents and siblings on a last-minute trip to my hometown. My father has been dealing with some major health issues for several years now. For this last stint in the hospital, my dad went straight from the Emergency Room to the ICU (Intensive Care Unit). I fretted for a while on how we would be able to go see him. It just did not look possible, so I stopped worrying about it. I relied on my mother and siblings to keep us updated on the status of my dad. My husband, Brian, felt so bad for me because he knew I was hurting and could not do anything for me.
It seems as soon as I gave the problem to the LORD, the LORD gave me an answer. Someone told Brian that they were going to get me to my daddy! They handed him some money, enough to cover the cost of a round-trip plane ride and the gas money to get us to the airport (which is a four-hour drive from our house). Then other people handed us more to help with the trip’s expenses. We were overjoyed! We had not asked anyone to do anything for us, but God knew what we needed. As we were contemplating what Brian would need to do to run our household and his full-time job, his dad called to offer to stay with Brian and be the second adult, so that Brian would not have to rearrange his work schedule and appointments. When one of my family members questioned why we had not asked relatives for help (and I know they would have helped us out), I told them what the givers told us. “Don’t rob us of this blessing. “
I spent time with my parents in the hospital (they allowed two visitors a day, my mom always being one), and some time with my siblings. I have not been with all of them in over three years! I also spent more time with their families. My dad's situation is still serious, but everyday he seems to be making progress, so that is good. He was happy to see all of us, and let us know that he loves us. We let him know that we love him too. He has a renewed sense of hope, which is important in his recovery. I have been praying for him everyday, and I pray for my mom too.
Not everyone helped us out financially, but they did offer their support. Have you ever felt the prayers of someone over you? Have you ever felt God’s presence in a dire situation because someone else was interceding in prayer? That is how I have been feeling for a few weeks! When people tell me they are continuing to pray for my family, that reminds me to pray for their family too. There is no such thing as too much prayer. The Holy Spirit guides us to do things that help others in the way that we should.
Thank you, everyone, for all that you have done for my family! It inspires us to be more generous, and to follow where the Spirit leads. I pray for you!
Jude 17-23
17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They[f] said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment[g] stained by the flesh.
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