Day 16 - July 1 - Is there anyone else up there we could talk to?

Last night's numbers - 85% O2, 98% saturation. I went home and prayed that we would continue to see improvement in Connor's numbers, and I specifically prayed that we would see the numbers go down to 60% O2 while his saturation level stayed stable. I just left Connor's room and the numbers were 60% O2 and 100% saturation! Before I could say anything to the family, two others commented that they had been praying to see 60% today as well. What an answer to prayer - my God is worthy to be praised. The nurses are pleased with Connor's progress, and say that his clinical picture is improving!

Interestingly enough, the day started with a conversation between a neurosurgeon and myself. The gist of the conversation, in an oblique fashion, was that we should prepare ourselves to let Connor die. The doctor told me of the possible infections, the near-certainty that no function will ever be regained, and that we should consider that even if he manages to pull through, the odds were that he would not have a lengthy life. He reminded me that Christopher Reeve had access to every medical technique and assistance money could buy, and he only lived nine years after his accident. He wanted to make sure we used "common sense" as we made decisions about Connor's care.

I tell you these things not to frighten or panic anyone - the possibility has existed all along that God may call Connor home. I also don't tell you these things to extinguish hope - my hope is in the Lord (the maker of heaven and earth), not in a neurosurgeon. I tell you these things because you need to hear how God is moving in and around us. I told the neurosurgeon that I am confident in the provision of my God; and I continue to claim the promise implicit in this verse:

"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" - James 5:16.

I'm a man, and I am praying, so the verse looks like this -

"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much".

I'm not righteous - except in light of my standing before God because of the blood of Christ. Then I am righteous, and that makes it look like this -

"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much".

If there's anything I am about this, it's fervent -

"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much".

Now, the "avails much" part is under God's control - I either believe it or not, and I believe it. So now I'm pretty much working on the "effective" part. This is where your support is so critical - I don't think "man" means "male"; I think it means "human". If you're a follower of Christ, you're righteous in God's eyes because of the blood of the Lamb, even if you don't feel like it all the time. You are all fervently lifting Connor and my family to the throne of God. And you are being as effective as you know how. What a promise, that our prayers can actually move the hand of God!

I am endeavoring to give you the most up-to-date information in order to make your prayers more effective. And that's why I tell you about my conversation this morning - so that we can fervently and effectively pray.

So the answer to the question posed in the title of the post is a resounding "Yes"! Praise be to God, who promises that He hears our prayers and answers us!