Day 50 - August 4 - An iPhone view from the aid station
I mention the phone to let you know that I'm typing on a cellfone - please excuse any typos!
A quick update from work. Depression has grabbed Connor by the throat, as he has been continually praying to have his arms back without visible results. He is now really wrestling with that, to the point where Cherie asked him if he needs chemical help to deal with it. I think his answer says a lot about his mental state - "Happy pills? I don't know." We are trying to help him in any way we can, but at some level he has to work through this himself with God. I hate that, but that doesn't make it less true. I don't want to see him reduced to relying on medication when our God promises to supply all his needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Big prayer request, there.
He is longing for home and the familiar, too. He wants to hear from people he knows and see people he loves. I'll get his mailing address posted again tonight when I can get to a computer, with more info in that regard. For now, please pray that God would be ministering to the boy in a very special way.
We continue to pray for 100% restoration - not 30%, not 60% - but 100%. Have faith with us.
posted by Eric Williamson @ 11:41 AM
24 Comments
Links to this post
24 Comments:
Dear Eric and family,
I read your post and my heart goes out to you and your family, especially to Connor. As I've said before we were in a similar position that you are facing. Ours only lasted 3 weeks. I can't imagine riding the roller coaster as long as you guys have. I read your posts and you are truly and inspiration. I love the way that you are reaching out to those around you. Coming from a position of understanding and knowing the depth of your agony I hope that it is okay if I share a concern. My concern is this I haver once, that I recall, remember reading a request for God's will to be done in this situation. I think that God is more concerned about our faith in His Sovereignty than He is in our faith in a miracle. Do I believe that God can and does heal? Abosolutely! Am I praying for God to heal Connor? You betcha! But for some reason for about the last week when I've read the blogs I've had this feeling in the pit of my stomach, "what about God's will?" When I read about the tee-shirts I wonder if it means watch God perform a miracle or watch God be glorified no matter what? I have struggled with myself for days over posting this. The last thing I want to do is bring any discouragement. I haven't wanted to post it, but I've felt like I was suppose to. Remember, I've been in your shoes to a degree and it was one of the hardest things I've ever done to say, "Not my will but thing be done."
Love, prayers, and blessings to you all.
As an unbeliever who's watching, I have to disagree with Charlene about praying for your God's will to be done. Until about a week ago, on the encounter with Tod, most prayer requests were asking for the "glory of God" and for Connor's situation to be "what it was supposed to be in order to glorify God." At least that was how I interpreted most comments. Maybe it IS important to preface or conclude each and every prayer with those words, but maybe the thought (of God's will always and only being done) is present or implied just by the act of praying?
I know the previous post was difficult to post, but so important. We also had a family member in ICU (our neice..only 16 with a brain tumor) We two had to pray "your will Lord NOT ours!) Hard words to say....yet a point we all have to reach. The outcome was not what we wanted for my neice, yet it was the outcome God wanted! This was hard to swallow, but He was glorified and we are blessed with His outcome.
We all know the Williamson family has said these words along with ALL of us, yet sometimes it is hard to be satisfied with the answer has given us upto this point. He is not done, just wanting more growth and more people to be blessed by this family. We do love each one of you and will keep the letters, packages coming as long as you all need them. Prayers will ALWAYS be flowing for ALL involved. There are highes and lows and the lows can be a real knock to the old tooshie! Just flip yourself over to your knees and spend sometime there with God.
Keep posting all the good, bad, and ugly and we will try and pick you up when we can. God is the master at this...but we as friends and family can try to be there for you ALL. Know there are people praying every minute for you all! You may not hear it, but God does and He will do a good work in you!
HUGS from MH.
Anonymous (1:43pm) - actually, one of the difficult things to reconcile during times like these is that we have two types of prayer either modeled or taught by Christ Himself.
In the Garden of Gethsemane on the eve of His crucifixion, He asked His Father that the cup of His suffering and death be taken away - if it was His Father's will that it be taken away. He prayed this knowing full well that it was not His Father's will to take that cup away... so He followed that request with "nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done" (Luke 22:42). So we have Christ modeling an attitude of submission in the face of the unimaginable trial which He was about to face. Therefore we know that it is not improper to ask for a trial to pass us by. Furthermore, we know that it is possible to pray such a prayer while desiring God's glory foremost - because everything Christ did was for His Father's glory. (And there's also the not-insignificant example of the Lord's Prayer, which contains the clause "Thy will be done".)
Yet how do we maintain such an attitude of submission in our prayers while at the same time heeding Christ's exhortation that we simply ask in His name in order to receive... whatever? What can that mean?
John 14:13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
15 "If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-- 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. (NKJV)
So there's the tension: can we truly ask for *anything* in Christ's name and receive it? Clearly, the answer to that has to be no - for otherwise we could ask for things which are clearly sinful and not in line with God's will and receive them - and that would neither be good for us, nor would the granting of such things glorify God. Note what follows Christ's injunction to "ask and receive" - a description of those who love Him. They are equated with those who keep His commandments. They are characterized by having the Holy Spirit, the other "Helper", Who abides with them. And we see that the goal of Christ doing what we ask is that the Father be glorified in Him.
So what things are characterized by obedience to Christ's commandments (to love the Father with everything you have, and others as yourself), help from the Holy Spirit, and the glory of the Father? Sometimes, it is clear to us - or should be. A prayer for greater faith - a prayer for deeper insight into God's will or Word. A prayer for wisdom. These things are difficult to see in any other light than as being glorifying to God.
However, which path is most glorifying to God when disease or injury are what we are bringing before God? Can we even pretend to know the answer to that question? So how do we pray? Which model do we choose?
I would submit, on the basis of examples from Christ Himself, that both can be honoring, and glorifying to God in as much as we pray with those goals in mind.
Lee
It may be possible for
Whoops - ignore "It may be possible for" at the bottom of my previous comment.
Lee
Oh, I thought it was a fill-in-the-blank thingie! As in, "with God, ALL things are possible."
Anonymous unbeliever - (forgive the awkward nomenclature - there's a few anonymous-es and I want to be careful to keep them straight!!)
There are definitely challenges to be wrestled with when it comes to the mystery of prayer, especially in praying for God's will to be done when the outcome appears, from our perspective, so contradictory to what a good and loving God would do for His child. But if we believe (as those who follow Christ do) that God demonstrated His love most completely in placing the suffering we deserved upon His own Son, then we are forced to remember, with joy and thankfulness even, that His will is accomplished in ways that we don't always immediately understand. It helps me as I pray to remember that ultimately, Connor's greatest need for deliverance and healing has already been accomplished. Because He is God's child, he has a new heart and one day, whether he spends another week or the rest of this life as he is now, he will also have a new,eternal body, perfect in every way. Were God to be gracious and heal the body he has now, it would still, inevitably, deteriorate, sicken and die. That temporal healing would still be, from our perspective, a tremendous blessing, and so we pray for it. But we also know that God's power is being demonstrated in even greater ways during those times when we are willing to wait patiently and look to Him for grace and strength in the wait.
While my struggles are different than Connor's, I too fight for faith in God's power to help me overcome them. In previous days, my faith has been weak, and I read of the strength God has given Connor that day, I ask God for some of what He has granted Connor, and He gives it,and that is just as miraculous in my circumstances as it would be if Connor got out of bed today. And so today, when Connor's faith wanes and mine is strong, I am asking God to strengthen Connor with what He has given me. That's His will too, and I know that He will do it. Watch what God does... :)
First I'd like to say that I appreciate Charlene's comments and concerns. Charlene, your heart is obviously in the right place: wanting to give God the glory in all things and be in submission to His will, regardless of how tough a circumstance might be and regardless of the outcome. My thoughts on this subject are my own and are in no way intended to be an attack or challenge on your (or anyone else's) thinking.
Second, I'm not sure at what point you started reading the blog. I've been reading and re-reading posts (and comments) since Day 1. The one theme that has been constant throughout is a desire for God to be glorified no matter the outcome. If the words, "not my will but thine" don't appear exactly that way, it certainly doesn't indicate hearts to the contrary. (Though I'm fairly certain those words have appeared verbatim now and then.)
Okay, so now my thoughts on the subject:
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked His Father if it were possible, let the cup pass from him. "Yet not my will, but thine," he finished. We should always be in submission to God's will, whether it matches up with our hopes and expectations or not. (Way easier said than done!) But does that mean we shouldn't ask *BELIEVING* that God not only *can* do a miracle but *will*?
In John 14, Jesus confronts Philip's unbelief and lack of understanding of who He is. Starting in verse 11, Jesus says to him, "Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."
What was Jesus doing before he went to the cross? Illuminating God's Word to those who would hear, demonstrating love and compassion to the pariahs of society, healing the sick, making blind people see, telling the lame to pick up their mats and walk... And Jesus himself said, "anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing"!
And then He finishes up by saying what we've all heard but are sometimes afraid to believe. "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."
Does this mean God is our own personal ATM machine? No. He knows our hearts better than we know ourselves, and knows when we ask for something out of selfish vs pure motives. "In my name." That's the kicker. So it's important to ask for the things of God, rather than man's fleshly desires. What are the things of God?
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, self control, faith, righteousness, truth, purity, excellence, compassion, mercy, healing (spiritual and physical)... and the list goes on. "Every good and perfect gift is from above..."
So if I ask God for mercy on behalf of a young man who can't walk, if I ask my Father in Heaven to demonstrate His power as Jesus did in raising the dead, if I ask the Creator of this universe to restore completely a broken body and show who is truly wise and good, I don't see how I'm asking for anything that is *not* in His will. And to God be the glory! As dearly loved children, we get to approach His throne with boldness and make our requests known to Him! Hallelulah!
I rather like what AU (anonymous unbeliever) said up there. Perhaps the very act of praying [bringing our requests before God] implies a submission to His will. God certainly knows our hearts even before we say one word to Him...
Respectfully,
Jenann
Anonymous (3:27) - nope!
In case you were serious, take a look at the context of what you quoted:
Matthew 19:23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (NKJV)
Not that I'm saying that some things are impossible for God - though it is certainly possible to come up with useless logical impossibilities concerning God ("can God create a rock so large that he can't move it?" being the classic example). Also, there are things that God can't and/or won't do: He can't sin, and He won't tempt you to sin, for example.
However, in the case of what you quoted, God can certainly accomplish His will in saving any given soul, no matter how wayward, sinful, rebellious, and reluctant that soul is. (Which describes every single soul which has been and will be saved! Praise be to God for His mercy and forbearance towards us!)
Lee
First, I wanted to let everyone know that I really love reading this blog and it really lifts me up. Everyone who posts here is amazing. You're challenging each other's faith and beliefs in a great way and I think these challenges brings everyone (even the unbelievers) closer to God's truth and what his words truly say.
Second, thanks for the comment above. Single verses get taken out of context so easily, I'm glad you put "With God, all things are possible" back into context.
Next, I've been thinking reading through these comments, especially the one about the almost contradiction of the Bible saying we can ask anything in God's name and he'll answer us and the fact that just because thousands of people are praying for Connor's healing doesn't mean that God will heal him. I think part of the promise is that God will answer our prayers, but it might not always be the answer we want. His answer might be no, or not now, or wait because I have better things in store.
Of course, I will continue to pray for the complete healing Connor and the rest of your family, but really, God is already doing miraculous things in many people's lives, including mine, through Connor... and he should feel honored for being such a strong and amazing person.
I'd rather still stay anonymous...
but I'll continue praying in
Fresno
(PS, many of my friends are praying for Connor as well)
It just so happens I can speak on both subjects of this email.
#1 Sometimes "happy pills" are what is necessary to pull us out of a "fog" or out from under a cloud. When we are out in the open sky again, then we can look up again and rely on Him. So while I appreciate all who say that it can be fixed without, sometimes the "pills" are helpful to be in the right head space. Take this from an expert on this!
#2 It just so happens that Kenzie and I went to find the funniest and coolest card to send to Connor from Arizona. I knew exactly which one I wanted, and yeah they had it! I know Connor doesn't know us, but we are all family in Christ. Plus I adore Cody and the Singley family, so that makes me close enough to "know" him!
Take comfort, in the fact that we are thinking not only of Connor but all of you!
As always,
Michawn
In Arizona at the moment!
whew, what a tremendous degree of knowledge and faith we have expressed through this blog.
i agree with so many aspects of this blog and will just add my own recent feelings.
i was at the hospital sunday, and while praying i kept coming back to the idea that the miracles we are wanting are insignificant to the ones God IS preparing and performning.
the unbeliever hit the nail on the head. God knows our heart-felt prayer...we are all just confirming His desires with our prayers.
but, let's get back to praising Him in this trial. PURE PRAISE, PURE JOY, PURE SONG. lets break down the rusted gates of hell with our voices...from across the nation.
a miracle happens every day when we greet each other at the ICU, when we care for our neighbor who is suffering, when we display his love and mercy automatically.
i gave Cherie a CD from Casting Crowns with the song "Love Them Like Jesus"...great lyrics and exactly what Jesus was doing before his death.
Spread the love and the miracles will follow.
Kathleen
One more thing on this topic from the unbeliever who's watching:
If you're praying for a certain outcome (healing, in this case), but you are also wanting God's will, then when whatever happens, happens, either the desired outcome or not, how do you know if God is answering your prayer, or if it is just what would have happened anyhow. Does prayer actually change anything other than attitudes? (That in itself is huge, I think, but maybe not enough.)
Eric & Cherie,
God provided those chemicals that are used as "Happy Pills." He made them for good, and not for harm. Unfortunately, some people abuse them.
I believe Michlawn's comment above is accurate - and with Conner's depression being so painful right now, perhaps now is one of those times he can use a little extra help.
God encourages all of us to pray for each other with brotherly love and gratitude. But it is God's decision how, and when, He will answer our prayers. We cannot see God's plan in this situation; and we may not witness God's answer to our prayers for Conner, BUT THERE WILL BE AN ANSWER!
It is our privilege to pray for Conner and all your family. Stay strong and do not despair. You are a child of God. Your walk with the Lord in this heavy trial is such a strong witness for many others.
God Bless You and Keep You.
MT
Charlottesville
Dear Williamsons and everyone else reading these blogs,
When I wrote my last post what I feared would happen did. I'm sorry if I caused any misunderstandings. I never meant to imply that the Williamson's don't have an attitude of thy will be done. I have been very amazed by their faith and testimony.
As for the post from the unbeliever. I can only speak for myself. But know in my own heart there is a very big difference in praying and praying, Thy will be done. Maybe only those who have sat by the hospital bed of their dying son and then again three years later sat by the bed of their dying niece can understand where I'm coming from. Believe me when I say for myself it is 2 very different things. I've know of people who have shook their fists in God's face and been very demanding.
Do I think that Williamson's have that attitude? Not for a second.
I think the thing that concerns me the most and why I posted the blog was because in our situation and then again with my niece we had very wonderful and well meaning people that had "words from the Lord" about how He had told them that He was going to heal our children, and then when we place so much in those words instead of in the sovereignty of God in all circumstances it can be a very painful situation.
As far as the verses about praying anything in Jesus' name and it will be done, our pastor teaches that when you pray in God's name you are praying for His purpose and are praying for what He wants, not particularly what we want.
Please forgive me if I've caused any misunderstanding or hurt feelings. That was totally not my intentions. I do believe that the Bible teaches us to pray for healing and I totally believe that God can and does heal.
Charlene in Albany, OR
Praying for a miracle.
Last week I read a couple of Thomas Manton's sermons on Psalm 119:122. Here are a few excerpts that helped me a lot and seem to speak to some of what has been said here. Thomas Manton is a Puritan writer, so some of his English may sound a little different.
"That may be good for the glory of God, which doth not conduce to our
personal benefit; and the glory of God is our great interest...the soul is cast for any course that God shall see fittest for his glory. Nature would be rid of trouble, but grace submitteth all interests to God's honour, that
should be dearer to us than anything else...
"God will answer us according to our trouble, not always according to our will. He is wiser than we; for he knoweth that our own will would undo us. If things were in our own hands, we should never see an ill day; and, in this mixed estate, that would not be good for us...We must not mistake the use and efficacy of prayer. We are not, as sovereigns, to govern the world
at our pleasure; but, as supplicants, humbly to submit our desires to the Supreme Being; not to command as dictators, and obtrude any module upon God,
but to solicit as servants...therefore beg him to do good, but according to
HIS own good pleasure.
"1. Let us submit to God for the mercy itself, in what kind we shall have it, whether temporal, spiritual, or eternal. If God see ease good for us, we shall have it; if deliverance good for us, we shall have it; or give us
strength in our souls, or hasten our glory...'It is the Lord; let him do what seemeth him good' (I Sam. 3:18).
"2. Let us submit for the time...It is not for want of love, if he doth not help us presently, nor want of power. Christ may dearly love us, yet delay to help us, even in extremity, till a fit time come, wherein his glory may shine forth, and the mercy be more conspicuous.
He doth not slight us, though He doth delay us; he will choose that time which maketh most for his own glory..."
I also sat by the bedside of my son three years ago (he "celebrated" his 16th birthday in ICU) and poured out my heart to the Lord for his healing. God graciously granted him life, although limited in many ways. What He has accomplished in all of our lives through that experience, however, is the greatest miracle. I'm praying for you all in this journey the Lord has you on. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee."
Violet in Portland, OR
I didn't have a response while reading all the commits they are all beautiful to me and we all know that our Lord is in control then I got off line and while meditating on all that was said I couldn't help but think that the ultimate healing is going to be with the Lord, no more tears, no pain, no sorrow, Perfectly healed. I guess we need to pray and tell the Lord that we aren't finished with Connor yet that we aren't ready to say good bye so please Lord give Connor's family and friends more time and please allow Connor to Glorify you in his testimony and to have a full recovery so he can continue serving you and that people will look in awe and give you all glory.
I think Paul said it in Phil. 1:19-23.
God Bless you Family, Praying in Downey that Connor will continue to heal physically, mentally emotionally and spiritually and that his family will be blessed to have many more years with,
The Boy, Sweet Rest tonight
I can witness to the fact that while pleading before God for my son's healing after a serious accident, I never had complete peace until I relinquished him completely to God. In my heart, I knew this meant I was willing to accept that healing might be accomplished by him going home to be with the Lord, if that was what God wanted to use to glorify Himself in the greatest way. It was the hardest thing I've ever done, but only then did I have peace.
It can be very difficult to honestly examine one's own heart and the motives for our prayers, believing in healing, asking and trusting while at the same time ultimately being willing to let go of that loved one.
It sounds like a contradiction, but somehow, I believe God can work this out in our hearts.
I pray God will give all the Williamsons and their extended family wisdom and peace as they continue to lift their beloved family member before God, believing that God will accomplish what is best for Connor.
Anonymous (6:49pm), re: the passage in Matthew - you're welcome.
Anonymous unbeliever (8:36pm), re: how do you know when a prayer is answered, regardless of the outcome? Great question. I don't know that there's a good, objective answer that would satisfy a skeptic. I do know that Jesus, the Great Shepherd, says that His sheep know His voice and follow Him (John 10:4ff), that the same Spirit who helps us in our weaknesses and prays for us with groanings to deep for words when we don't know how to pray (Romans 8:26) also bears witness with the spirits of those who believe:
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. (NKJV)
All this to say that there is indeed a mystery to prayer, as Rachel put it above. Prayer cannot be for God's benefit - He knows the end from the beginning and our motives as well as our needs far more completely and better than we do ourselves. Prayer is, ironically, for our benefit - for us to work out issues of faith, obedience, understanding of God's will, etc., and to be one of the main avenues for God to "speak" to us. In "The Efficacy of Prayer", C.S. Lewis explores some of these questions. You can read an excerpt of this essay here.
Also, Spurgeon's sermon on the Immutability (unchanging nature) of God contains an interesting and, I think, relevant analysis of the account of Hezekiah praying for an extension of his life (Isaiah 38:1-6):
Methinks I hear some one say, "I can remember one passage in Scripture where God changed!" And so did I think once. The case I mean, is that of the death of Hezekiah. Isaiah came in and said, 'Hezekiah, you must die, your disease is incurable, set your house in order.' He turned his face to the wall and began to pray; and before Isaiah was in the outer court, he was told to go back and say, "Thou shalt live fifteen years more." You may think that proves that God changes; but really I cannot see in it the slightest proof in the world. How do you know that God did not know that? Oh! but God did know it; he knew that Hezekiah would live. Then he did not change, for if he knew that, how could he change? That is what I want to know. But do you know one little thing?-that Hezekiah's son Manasseh, was not born at that time, and that had Hezekiah died, there would have been no Manasseh, and no Josiah and no Christ, because Christ came from that very line. You will find that Manasseh was twelve years old when his father died; so that he must have been born three years after this. And do you not believe that God decreed the birth of Manasseh, and foreknew it? Certainly. Then he decreed that Isaiah should go and tell Hezekiah that his disease was incurable, and then say also in the same breath, "But I will cure it, and thou shalt live." He said that to stir up Hezekiah to prayer. He spoke, in the first place as a man. "According to all human probability your disease is incurable, and you must die." Then he waited till Hezekiah prayed; then came a little "but" at the end of the sentence. Isaiah had not finished the sentence. He said, "You must put your house in order for there is no human cure; but" (and then he walked out. Hezekiah prayed a little, and then he came in again, and said) "But I will heal thee." Where is there any contradiction there, except in the brain of those who fight against the Lord, and wish to make him a changeable being.
Finally, in response to the comments about implied clauses in our prayers: it seems to me that this is a tricky assumption, at best. Motive is huge in our spiritual lives, and can turn what outwardly looks like an act service into a prideful, self-glorifying sinful deed. Motive comes into play in prayer as well, as my lovely wife mentioned above this afternoon. [Please note - I'm about to make some general statements about motives and prayer...] Can we fool even ourselves into thinking we are praying with the right motive, namely seeking the maximum glory for God? Absolutely. And we can certainly fool others (or try to). And there are downright sinful prayers - witness the Pharisee in Luke 18:9-14. So to think that we can assume that God will understand that we are automatically praying that His will be done concerning what we are praying for when we may not have even examined our hearts to see if that is indeed our motive - well, it seems to me that the one might not necessarily follow the other...
I hope this all makes sense - it's rather late!
I've also appreciated the ongoing discussions about faith and prayer which have been going on over the past several days!
Lee
My family and I have been following Conner's situation from the start. We, along with our church, have been praying constantly for his healing and for God's peace and love to be felt by him, Eric, Cherie, Joelle, and all other family and friends. And for this situation to bring them all so much closer to the Lord.
It's a little hard for me to read what some are writing here. And the tone that comes across with some, seems sarcastic and mean. The Williamson's don't need this right now. They need to know we are all standing behind them in prayer, with love for the Lord, and for each other.
As far as how we pray, I don't think we need to put rules or conditions on how we talk to God. When we (or in this case, the Williamson family) are going through a devastating period in our lives or family, we need to be able to pour our hearts out to the Lord, and not worry about following "rules" or whatever for how we pray.
I think of King David in the Old Testament, when his son was born with something wrong, David fasted and prayed, "Nonstop," for his son to be healed. He "pleaded" with God for his son's healing. But for some reason, God decided to let him die.
But David was not bitter with God, but got up, cleaned himself up and went in to eat. He accepted how God chose to answer his prayer.
But in other cases in the Bible, someone prayed earnestly, and their family member was healed. So I would never want the Williamson family or anyone, to feel that we are being selfish to pray for those we love to be healed. God wants us to come to Him with whatever is on our heart, and ask of Him.
And true, our prayers are not always answered in the way we want, but sometimes they are. God IS in control, and for whatever reason, He answers our prayers in the way He feels is best, to glory Him.
But coming to God in prayer, "Pleading" for healing, is not wrong. That is what He wants us to do. We need to feel so close to the Lord, we can come to Him with anything. He cares so much for us, knows how we are feeling and understands. Even if we're struggling with anger over the situation, He understands that, loves us, and will be there to help us through it.
So I just needed to comment my feelings after reading some of these posts here.
Williamson family, we love you in the Lord, you are constantly in our thoughts and in our prayers. We are praying for you as you go through this very difficult time, and we are praying for Conner's complete healing.
Ann
Ann,
Thank you for your message. All day today, I've been thinking about the example of David prostrating himself before the Lord begging for his son's life. Until God answered David's prayer with a definitive, "No," David continued to pray that God would change His mind. This is the way I've been praying for Connor all along.
There's something else you mention that's worth noting. Tone. People can write with the giftedness of Shakespeare, but unless you know the person who's writing, "tone" can be misunderstood. I just want to make sure that whoever is reading these comments knows that everything I post is written with love and the utmost respect for others' viewpoints. If I've come across in any other way, I apologize. The last thing I want to do is suggest that anyone is praying incorrectly because it doesn't match up with how I'm praying.
Lee and I had this very discussion sometime within the first week of Connor's accident. The conversation arose because we were praying for him, approaching God from different angles. He said something to me (which he wrote about in his first post here, Aug. 4, 3:00 p.m.) that made all the difference. Both models are taught in Scripture. I came away with the conclusion that we all need to pray as God leads us. And the fact that the Holy Spirit binds us together as one body, God hears our prayers as one (as well as individually). Isn't that awesome?!
Anyway, thanks again for your thoughts.
Jenann
This post has been removed by the author.
Brad here...
Big brother Brad, doing what big brothers do, which includes making sure that nobody is taking advantage of my little brother, nobody is picking on him, and nobody is treating him badly (except me, but that was years ago).
I read every comment posted on this blog, because I'm the big brother. If somebody comes across as hurtful, mean, or spiteful, I'll pull the plug on that comment, and nobody will get to see it but me. If it gets out of control, I'll turn comment moderation on, and I'll review every comment before it gets posted. If somebody goes on the attack - I'll block their comments. That's what big brothers do.
But I haven't seen that. What I see is a diverse group of people in various stages on the journey that is 'following Christ'. As J. I. Packer said in "Knowing God" years ago, we are the travelers, on a journey toward God. And I'm grateful to be a tiny part of such a noble mélange, all pointed in the same direction, figuring out how to best get there. Imagine a group of people seeking absolute truth in a world that proclaims none exists, and you can perhaps sense why I'm glad to be a part of it.
So we travel on. Working out our salvation with fear and trembling, as Paul said. Wrestling with God, seeking comfort in a place where we cannot find answers, and doing so together, not alone.
I have experienced no more honorable display of the calling of the body of Christ in my life, no other place that I would call church, no other place where I have seen God touching so many people.
But I haven't yet seen hurtful, mean, or spiteful.
What I have seen, and read, and prayed over, are the words of fellow travelers that Eric, Cherié, Joélle, and Connor need to hear. Some of them are hard words, but in those hard words are words of truth, and in truth, there is life. They are the words that sharpen the steel of faith in the Williamsons and those that travel with them. This is good. They are words that God has laid on your heart for Eric to hear.
Is this a place where faith and prayer should be debated? I think you would better ask if life was a place where faith and prayer should be debated?
We are journeying together. Speak as brothers and sisters, building each other up, offering a steady hand when someone stumbles, and lifting up the fallen.
We are on a journey, and the journey changes us, but we are still on the journey. Continue to journey with us, and watch God at work.
And I'll go back to doing what big brothers do...
Dear Jenann,
Thank you for your comments to me. No, I did not hear any "tone" in your posts that didn't sound kind. And you are so right, "tone" can so be misunderstood in emails, you are very right.
I may have misunderstood with some here, especially after reading Brad's post, from the "Big Brother." If he didn't see anything or hear anything, then I misunderstood someone. I'm sorry about that. I guess I was being a little "protective" also.
We're all in God's family here, and need to encourage and support each other. Especially, the Williamson family.
Like Eric says, "God is good all the time!"
Love in Christ!
Ann
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home