October 3, 2019
And the Children Shall Lead Them
Mary Southerland
Today’s Truth
When evening came, His (Jesus’) disciples went down to the lake,where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing, and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But He said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” (John 6:16-22, NIV).
Friend to Friend
My husband has struggled with a fib for almost 15 years. He has had three ablations and 46 cardio versions. I have the procedure down to the point that I think we could do the cardio version on our own. I know where the electrodes have to be placed. Dan tells the doctor not to shock him with both pads on the front of his chest which is the normal approach. One patch needs to be placed on the front of his chest and one on his back, shocking him with 250 volts. Using this technique, his heart has always gone back into sinus rhythm on the first try.
I also had the waiting routine down pat. Just before the cardio version begins, I kiss Dan and tell him to be good and go back into rhythm on the first try. I then find my usual spot in the waiting room. It only takes about 5-10 minutes in all. Then I wait for the smiling doctor to the door of the waiting room, tell me that Dan is fine and that I can take him home when the anesthesia has worn off.
Yep! It was a routine I had down pat! But today was different.
After 20 minutes had passed, I began to wonder if something had gone wrong. When I was getting up to find a nurse who could tell me what was going on, I saw the doctor walking toward me. He did not have the usual look on his face. His head was lowered, and he was shaking it, as if something was wrong.
I. Did. Not. Like. It.
The doctor looked up and said, “I’ve been practicing medicine for over 40 years and this is only the second time I have seen this happen.” He was not helping! “Please tell me! Is Dan okay? Were there any problems?” I pleaded. The doctor smiled and said, “Well, we gave Dan some fluids because he was a little dehydrated from the stomach bug he had over the weekend. Then we gave him the anesthesia. I literally had the paddles in my hand, ready to do the cardio version, when I checked the heart monitor and saw a miracle. And I don’t toss that word around casually. Dan’s heart was in sinus rhythm. So, we waited a few minutes to make sure his heart stayed in rhythm.”
I was amazed!
Dan’s heart had never gone back into rhythm on its own.
It truly was a miracle!
On the way home from the hospital, Dan and I were talking about what God had just done when the phone rang. “Mom, I’m just calling to check on Dad. Is he okay?” our daughter asked. When I told her what had happened, she grew strangely silent.
“Mom, I just picked the boys up from school. When Justus got in the car, he immediately asked, “Mom, how is Papa?” When I told him that you got to the hospital and did not have to have a cardio version, Justus threw both arms into the air, pumping his fists in victory, and said, “That’s exactly what I prayed for last night, Mom. That Papa would get to the hospital and his heart would be okay!”
From the mouths of babes.
The prayer of a pure heart.
Justus has often led us to this place. A place where unspoiled faith changes lives and alters circumstances. I want to have that kind of faith and pray those kinds of prayers.
Prayer shuts out fear and fuels faith.
Remember when Jesus came to the disciples, walking on the water, between three and six o’clock in the morning, the darkest time of the night? When the winds picked up and the waves grew larger, I am sure that every disciple in that rocking boat was praying like crazy! Unfortunately, it often takes a crisis to drive us to our knees in prayer. I think I know why. Until we are utterly helpless, prayer seems like an option instead of our only hope.
Honestly, it had never occurred to me to pray the kind of prayer Justus prayed. I was so used to the normal routine. But answered prayer should be the norm in my life. Prayer should be as natural and constant as breathing.
Samuel Chadwick writes, "The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayer-less studies, prayer-less work and prayer-less religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray."
The best time for prayer isn't found. It's made.
Consistent prayer builds consistent faith.
I know this. I want to get to the place where our grandson is. Daring to pray a prayer that will absolutely move God to show up and show off! How about you?
Let’s Pray
Father God, my heart is often filled with chaos and confusion. I feel like I am drowning in my circumstances. I need the strength and peace that only You can give. Help my faith to grow stronger, to the place where I can pray – and Heaven moves. I rest in You, Lord!
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen!
Now It’s Your Turn
What one step do you need to take in order to increase your prayer life and strengthen your faith? Take that step today!
More from the Girlfriends
If you really want to learn how to walk with God, check out Mary’s Book, 10-Day Trust Adventure. It will help you walk by faith and trust God in every area of your life. Check out Mary’s new blog! And be sure to connect with her on Facebook or through email.
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