Fresh Grace

In my last post I shared about it being 10 years since Floyd first got sick.   After this, and actually quite regularly, I get asked about why God didn't heal Floyd.  I don't have the answer for that.....but I trust God's sovereignty and wisdom.  I prayed for healing or heaven - and now Floyd is no longer suffering.  He's with Jesus.

A few days after writing that post, I came across a clip of Pete Greig sharing about his wife Sammy's illness.  Pete leads a wonderful prayer ministry called 24-7 Prayer.  It's a powerful ministry that has seen mighty answers to prayer!!  It has expanded world-wide and is impacting many lives.  He's also written a number of books that have encouraged and blessed the Body.

And yet he daily lives with an example of unanswered prayer in regard to Sammy's illness.  Pete is very articulate and shares much more profoundly than I can about what he's learned, what his perspective is.  It feels like my story even though the details are different.  I thought I'd share it at the bottom of this post.  I think it will bless you. 

Many of us live with unanswered prayers!  I've battled cancer for almost 12 years.  Floyd suffered for over 5 years - bedridden, silent, in a hospital bed - the man whose "voice" had reached thousands couldn't say a word.  I've seen miraculous healings!  I've experienced healing.  I know God could have changed Floyd's circumstances in a second.  I know I could be healed immediately.  But I have to trust that He has allowed us to walk in the "fellowship of His suffering" for purposes that we may not see or understand.  And, yes, His grace has been abundantly sufficient for every moment of these years!  He's never failed me!

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  Hebrews 12:2

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."  Hebrews 11:6

"Jesus said to him, 'Thomas, because you have seen me, you have believed.  Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.' "  John 20:29

My prayer today is that you will find fresh grace to walk with your unanswered prayers.  May God encourage and strengthen you through Pete's testimony.

To watch Pete's clip please click here