In light of several Bunker brethren posting about some really tough real-life situations, I wanted to share 2 stories from our church that, I pray, will offer some hope to any and all who are going through hard times.
1. One of my deacons was diagnosed with leukemia about 8 months ago. He decided to go through a bone marrow transplant, followed up with the usual treatment procedures. On Monday we got the news that he was in complete remission!! We had him on our prayer list and certainly prayed for healing.
2. Another sweet member was diagnosed with cancer just a few months ago; it wasn't narrowed down to a specific type but definately cancer. After identifying one specific area that was cancerous, she had a complete body scan to see if it had spread... it had not, and we were so thankful. We were told last night of her surgery scheduled for this morning to remove the cancerous spot and also to ID any surrounding cancerous tissues or organs, kind of a removal/exploratory all in one. After doing the pre-surgery scan to exactly ID the location, the surgery was called off because it simply wasn't there anymore.
Last night at our prayer meeting, we stayed after and everyone surrounded her in prayer, in accordance and obedience to James 5. Was that the prayer that healed her? Was it one of the many prayers earlier; was it a combo or was it none of that? I simply don't know. I've studied this subject many years, and the one thing I know is how much we just don't know. What I DO know is that God tells us to pray; He tells us to pray without doubt that He can and still does heal, AND that he sometimes chooses to respond to the prayers of His children. But it's not automatic and not guaranteed, at least, that's what I believe His Word clearly teaches.
All this simply to offer hope, something that seems sorely lacking in today's cynical world. I've prayed thousands of times for God to heal my very real chronic pain, yet He has not... at least not yet. And He may choose to never answer it this side of Heaven. But whether or not He heals me, you or your loved ones, He's still good... all the time.
As a follower of Jesus I've heard many times people proclaim God's goodness in response to answered prayer like we've recently seen. And while it's certainly warranted, sometimes it bothers me a little because I fear some forget that He's still good, even when He chooses not to answer your prayer the way you want Him too. I've been there too... praying as hard as I've ever prayed when my daddy, the best man I'll ever know, was dying from pulmonary fibrosis. He wasn't healed and we had to sign the papers for his removal from life support, as he wanted. And yet, God was still good.
If you're going through anything similar, please know there's always hope. And God is always good.
My personal thanks for @Jay G. Tate 's permission to share this. I tried to keep it as non-religiony as possible because I know there are many here who don't share my faith. Please know I respect your choice and would never try and impose my beliefs on you or anyone. Just wanted to offer a little good news and hope. If I can ever help in any way, I'm a DM away.
Love you guys and gals,
Jim
1. One of my deacons was diagnosed with leukemia about 8 months ago. He decided to go through a bone marrow transplant, followed up with the usual treatment procedures. On Monday we got the news that he was in complete remission!! We had him on our prayer list and certainly prayed for healing.
2. Another sweet member was diagnosed with cancer just a few months ago; it wasn't narrowed down to a specific type but definately cancer. After identifying one specific area that was cancerous, she had a complete body scan to see if it had spread... it had not, and we were so thankful. We were told last night of her surgery scheduled for this morning to remove the cancerous spot and also to ID any surrounding cancerous tissues or organs, kind of a removal/exploratory all in one. After doing the pre-surgery scan to exactly ID the location, the surgery was called off because it simply wasn't there anymore.
Last night at our prayer meeting, we stayed after and everyone surrounded her in prayer, in accordance and obedience to James 5. Was that the prayer that healed her? Was it one of the many prayers earlier; was it a combo or was it none of that? I simply don't know. I've studied this subject many years, and the one thing I know is how much we just don't know. What I DO know is that God tells us to pray; He tells us to pray without doubt that He can and still does heal, AND that he sometimes chooses to respond to the prayers of His children. But it's not automatic and not guaranteed, at least, that's what I believe His Word clearly teaches.
All this simply to offer hope, something that seems sorely lacking in today's cynical world. I've prayed thousands of times for God to heal my very real chronic pain, yet He has not... at least not yet. And He may choose to never answer it this side of Heaven. But whether or not He heals me, you or your loved ones, He's still good... all the time.
As a follower of Jesus I've heard many times people proclaim God's goodness in response to answered prayer like we've recently seen. And while it's certainly warranted, sometimes it bothers me a little because I fear some forget that He's still good, even when He chooses not to answer your prayer the way you want Him too. I've been there too... praying as hard as I've ever prayed when my daddy, the best man I'll ever know, was dying from pulmonary fibrosis. He wasn't healed and we had to sign the papers for his removal from life support, as he wanted. And yet, God was still good.
If you're going through anything similar, please know there's always hope. And God is always good.
My personal thanks for @Jay G. Tate 's permission to share this. I tried to keep it as non-religiony as possible because I know there are many here who don't share my faith. Please know I respect your choice and would never try and impose my beliefs on you or anyone. Just wanted to offer a little good news and hope. If I can ever help in any way, I'm a DM away.
Love you guys and gals,
Jim
