Desperate Times Nothing but the Blood

[soundingthealarm]

Desperate Times

Nothing but the Blood

Tim Cameron

A bitter cold breeze blast away upon the worried brow of a mother of three as she desperately trudges through snow ...her strength is only the sheer resolve to do whatever it takes to "be there" for her girls. The symptoms started slow but the coughing grew deeper and the fever higher...she knew she had to get them to "hope".

"It's the worst case scenario, this is spreading like wild fire, thousands will be infected ... it's hopeless" "How did it happen, Doctor?" "I'm not sure but if we don't get it quarantined, we won't need to worry about hospital beds, we are going to be filling the morgues"

"Mommy, my feet are so cold" the little girl cried, "I know honey but we got to get to a Doctor so He can make us all better" Trying to be strong but scared to death, the mother cries "Oh God please Help"

"How's it coming with the vaccines?" "Nothing is working; it breaks everything down and strengthens"

"Governor's Office" the voice on the other end said, “Dr. Jones, yes sir, the Governor has been awaiting your call."

"Dr. Jones what is the latest?"

"It's not good, nothing is working and it has spread faster and further than we originally believed possible"

"All resources are in place and tests are being run round the clock, but I'd recommend you begin to shut down access to all towns and cities immediately and begin to quarantine this before it becomes unstoppable."

"The death tolls will rise soon; fear and panic will spread just as fast. If we don’t find a cure, it will be a Hopeless situation."



Another town but an even more desperate situation eternity at stake

"Would you just shut up, I can't take this anymore, your nagging, the bills, the pressure"

"Mommy, Daddy" "please stop fighting" a little girl begs, but she hears her mom reply "I WANT A DIVORCE!!"

"Pastor; attendance is down; giving is down, what are we going to do?" The Board member continues, "Families are hurting, we've have two families that are about to lose their homes, another three families on the verge of divorce, changes need to be made, but where do we start?"



Across town, a desperate father....

His eyes glazed over, gun in one hand a stiff drink in the other....holding a picture up of his kids, tears streaming down his cheeks, "Every other weekend; are your stinking kidding me?" Hopelessness invading his thoughts, "it will never be the same" raising the gun to his forehead he cries out "OH GOD, PLEASE FORGIVE ME"

Divorce, drugs, layoffs, crime, selfish lives all going astray ...spreading like wildfire with no end in sight.



Kneeling at the altar, a faithful servant of God begins to cry, "Father, Your word promises that if we ask, seek and knock; that You will open the door, Lord, before you call me home, I'm here asking for this one thing that You have laid upon my heart...Will You pour out your Spirit upon this area and all these people that I know and Love. Will you arise and cause all your enemies to scatter? Father, Your Word says No one comes to You unless You draw them and Father that is what I'm asking ....will you please begin to draw all men unto Yourself right here in this town, right here in this Church?"



"Doctor, Doctor” a nurse shouted, “Something amazing is happening!"

"What?” The Doctor replied

“There's a man… who has come into our Emergency Room"

"What is wrong with Him?”

"Nothing, he said he's is here to help"

"HELP…Help how?"

"He wanted to donate blood, and get this...He said he had heard of the virus that was spreading and that he believed his blood was immune. We tested his Blood and he was right, there is something about his Blood that is overcoming the virus. Just one drop is all it takes, it will help thousands"

Walking into town, now having to carry her youngest daughter....the desperate mom see's the lights from Hope Hospital up ahead. Strengthened by the sight...she hurries her pace, "Come along girls, we are almost there!" Arriving at the foyer of the ER, The mom cries out for "HELP"... Running to her aid and gathering her kids...they rush the family in. "My girls please help my girls"

Putting the Gun down back at his side and lifting back up the picture...God began to answer this desperate Father's plea.....a knock at the door sobered him alert.."Herb, it's me Jim Kabell...I know you’re in there? Can I come in?"

As the door opened, "Herb, God has laid you on my heart and I just had to come over and share...I've got some great news... My wife and I have been talking with your wife and she has agreed to counseling...she has agreed to postpone the divorce"

Sitting in his study at Home, a Pastor puts down his pad of notes...getting on his knees, he starts to pray, "Dear God, what is it that you want to say?" The floodgates of tears poured down his cheek as He heard these Words "What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus"

Word soon spread all across the County, "They have found a cure"...people for miles around drove to Hope Hospital....That mom and her three daughter's got their shots and the Blood began to work....They were home in no time, everyone was so in awe at such an amazing change that was taking place...when it seemed all was hopeless.. A Miracle took place...but what was it they all had to ask? Curiosity spread faster than the disease itself.



Hope Hospital called a press conference to explain the turn of events, telling the story of the Man and His Blood ...his name announced. "There is no other person with this blood type and it’s a total miracle that he came when he did, we are happy to announce that the spread of this deadly virus has been defeated and all the necessary work "Is Finished." Please tell all your friends and family, neighbors and co-workers who are sick to hurry and get their shots, the only ones who can't be helped are those who haven't heard or who refuse to be treated."



Sunday morning was just like any other Sunday, until…

A husband, wife and daughter walked in, "in total desperation, they went to the altar and cried out for help" forsaking the fears and cares of man, they had been married in this Church but had backslid for years and now their marriage is on the rocks...the glue was the little girl who had cried out for her parents to "please stop fighting" her crocodile tears and "Help me Jesus prayers" had provoked them to Church...

When they got to the altar, there was a faithful servant of God, kneeling in prayer, who was fervently asking, seeking and knocking for God's Presence to show up.

The Pastor recognizing that something was happening, heard that still small voice; "What can wash away my sin, nothing but the blood of Jesus." A spark from yester year began to arise, he'd seen this before. Revival has come knocking; Jesus was asking to take His rightful place..."If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto myself"

Looking out over the congregation the Pastor declares, "Today, if you are here and you are hungry and thirsty for God's Presence but feel as though He is miles away, the Bible tells us to Turn to Him that times of refreshing may come. His Word tells us that He is NOT far away but that He is right here. We don't need another program, another sermon series, we just need Jesus. So as the choir sings that familiar song "Nothing but the Blood of Jesus", I would like anyone who like me is in need of His presence revealed in your life, to come and join me as we do nothing but seek His face"

In great joy ....The Spirit of Almighty God moved through the hearts of those who cried out to Him, Word spread like fire that something was happening ...marriages were being restored, lives were being changed, and souls were being saved daily. Prayer meetings began to pop up in neighborhood homes, prison ministries began to flourish, youth groups were visiting nursing homes....

The Question began to be asked, what had happened to this town? "There was this man who had come, whose blood had been shed; He said “He had come to help" and we have found out that…

There is power in that blood"

Many today are facing desperate situations of all kinds. If your one who is facing such a time I have great news for you. Jesus Christ has promised no matter what your situation is, no matter how bad it looks or how lost you are, whosever believes upon Him shall not perish but have everlasting life!! That is how powerful His blood is!

[LivnForChrist]

That was beautiful sounding! I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes. Nothing but the blood!
Nothing but the blood. Oh precious is the flow, that makes me white as snow. Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

[Meg]

Great short story, Tim. Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas!

[Robert]

Desperate Times

Nothing but the Blood

Tim Cameron

A bitter cold breeze blast away upon the worried brow of a mother of three as she desperately trudges through snow ...her strength is only the sheer resolve to do whatever it takes to "be there" for her girls. The symptoms started slow but the coughing grew deeper and the fever higher...she knew she had to get them to "hope".

"It's the worst case scenario, this is spreading like wild fire, thousands will be infected ... it's hopeless" "How did it happen, Doctor?" "I'm not sure but if we don't get it quarantined, we won't need to worry about hospital beds, we are going to be filling the morgues"

"Mommy, my feet are so cold" the little girl cried, "I know honey but we got to get to a Doctor so He can make us all better" Trying to be strong but scared to death, the mother cries "Oh God please Help"

"How's it coming with the vaccines?" "Nothing is working; it breaks everything down and strengthens"

"Governor's Office" the voice on the other end said, “Dr. Jones, yes sir, the Governor has been awaiting your call."

"Dr. Jones what is the latest?"

"It's not good, nothing is working and it has spread faster and further than we originally believed possible"

"All resources are in place and tests are being run round the clock, but I'd recommend you begin to shut down access to all towns and cities immediately and begin to quarantine this before it becomes unstoppable."

"The death tolls will rise soon; fear and panic will spread just as fast. If we don’t find a cure, it will be a Hopeless situation."



Another town but an even more desperate situation eternity at stake

"Would you just shut up, I can't take this anymore, your nagging, the bills, the pressure"

"Mommy, Daddy" "please stop fighting" a little girl begs, but she hears her mom reply "I WANT A DIVORCE!!"

"Pastor; attendance is down; giving is down, what are we going to do?" The Board member continues, "Families are hurting, we've have two families that are about to lose their homes, another three families on the verge of divorce, changes need to be made, but where do we start?"



Across town, a desperate father....

His eyes glazed over, gun in one hand a stiff drink in the other....holding a picture up of his kids, tears streaming down his cheeks, "Every other weekend; are your stinking kidding me?" Hopelessness invading his thoughts, "it will never be the same" raising the gun to his forehead he cries out "OH GOD, PLEASE FORGIVE ME"

Divorce, drugs, layoffs, crime, selfish lives all going astray ...spreading like wildfire with no end in sight.



Kneeling at the altar, a faithful servant of God begins to cry, "Father, Your word promises that if we ask, seek and knock; that You will open the door, Lord, before you call me home, I'm here asking for this one thing that You have laid upon my heart...Will You pour out your Spirit upon this area and all these people that I know and Love. Will you arise and cause all your enemies to scatter? Father, Your Word says No one comes to You unless You draw them and Father that is what I'm asking ....will you please begin to draw all men unto Yourself right here in this town, right here in this Church?"



"Doctor, Doctor” a nurse shouted, “Something amazing is happening!"

"What?” The Doctor replied

“There's a man… who has come into our Emergency Room"

"What is wrong with Him?”

"Nothing, he said he's is here to help"

"HELP…Help how?"

"He wanted to donate blood, and get this...He said he had heard of the virus that was spreading and that he believed his blood was immune. We tested his Blood and he was right, there is something about his Blood that is overcoming the virus. Just one drop is all it takes, it will help thousands"

Walking into town, now having to carry her youngest daughter....the desperate mom see's the lights from Hope Hospital up ahead. Strengthened by the sight...she hurries her pace, "Come along girls, we are almost there!" Arriving at the foyer of the ER, The mom cries out for "HELP"... Running to her aid and gathering her kids...they rush the family in. "My girls please help my girls"

Putting the Gun down back at his side and lifting back up the picture...God began to answer this desperate Father's plea.....a knock at the door sobered him alert.."Herb, it's me Jim Kabell...I know you’re in there? Can I come in?"

As the door opened, "Herb, God has laid you on my heart and I just had to come over and share...I've got some great news... My wife and I have been talking with your wife and she has agreed to counseling...she has agreed to postpone the divorce"

Sitting in his study at Home, a Pastor puts down his pad of notes...getting on his knees, he starts to pray, "Dear God, what is it that you want to say?" The floodgates of tears poured down his cheek as He heard these Words "What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus"

Word soon spread all across the County, "They have found a cure"...people for miles around drove to Hope Hospital....That mom and her three daughter's got their shots and the Blood began to work....They were home in no time, everyone was so in awe at such an amazing change that was taking place...when it seemed all was hopeless.. A Miracle took place...but what was it they all had to ask? Curiosity spread faster than the disease itself.



Hope Hospital called a press conference to explain the turn of events, telling the story of the Man and His Blood ...his name announced. "There is no other person with this blood type and it’s a total miracle that he came when he did, we are happy to announce that the spread of this deadly virus has been defeated and all the necessary work "Is Finished." Please tell all your friends and family, neighbors and co-workers who are sick to hurry and get their shots, the only ones who can't be helped are those who haven't heard or who refuse to be treated."



Sunday morning was just like any other Sunday, until…

A husband, wife and daughter walked in, "in total desperation, they went to the altar and cried out for help" forsaking the fears and cares of man, they had been married in this Church but had backslid for years and now their marriage is on the rocks...the glue was the little girl who had cried out for her parents to "please stop fighting" her crocodile tears and "Help me Jesus prayers" had provoked them to Church...

When they got to the altar, there was a faithful servant of God, kneeling in prayer, who was fervently asking, seeking and knocking for God's Presence to show up.

The Pastor recognizing that something was happening, heard that still small voice; "What can wash away my sin, nothing but the blood of Jesus." A spark from yester year began to arise, he'd seen this before. Revival has come knocking; Jesus was asking to take His rightful place..."If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto myself"

Looking out over the congregation the Pastor declares, "Today, if you are here and you are hungry and thirsty for God's Presence but feel as though He is miles away, the Bible tells us to Turn to Him that times of refreshing may come. His Word tells us that He is NOT far away but that He is right here. We don't need another program, another sermon series, we just need Jesus. So as the choir sings that familiar song "Nothing but the Blood of Jesus", I would like anyone who like me is in need of His presence revealed in your life, to come and join me as we do nothing but seek His face"

In great joy ....The Spirit of Almighty God moved through the hearts of those who cried out to Him, Word spread like fire that something was happening ...marriages were being restored, lives were being changed, and souls were being saved daily. Prayer meetings began to pop up in neighborhood homes, prison ministries began to flourish, youth groups were visiting nursing homes....

The Question began to be asked, what had happened to this town? "There was this man who had come, whose blood had been shed; He said “He had come to help" and we have found out that…

There is power in that blood"

Many today are facing desperate situations of all kinds. If your one who is facing such a time I have great news for you. Jesus Christ has promised no matter what your situation is, no matter how bad it looks or how lost you are, whosever believes upon Him shall not perish but have everlasting life!! That is how powerful His blood is!

Awesome post bro!!

[Bobbi]

I have to admit that I didn't read the entire post. I really do understand what you are trying to say, but how many have really ever experienced this situation? The blood of Christ cleanses us from sin, it doesn't make us healthy, wealthy, wise, or happy. Jesus promised us abundant life, but the abundance is in the spirit not necessarily the physical. There are many disillusioned Christians out in this world wondering why Christ isn't making their lives any better after asking Jesus into their lives than before asking Jesus in their lives.

God has done many miracles in lives including mine, but the miracles don't usually happen like what is written in this post. Most of the time the miracle is in our own hearts as we submit more and more to God's plan in our lives and trust Him with all of our circumstances.

Mostly what is the issue is that alot of people are hurting in their lives, but Christ's blood never promised these kind of results, but only to cleanse the sinner of their sin.

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh precious is the flow that makes me white as snow, no other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.

[soundingthealarm]

Bobbi,

totally appreciate your imput and if you had read the story you wouldn't see that it wasn't healing anything but the sinful condition

nothing in the story promised health and wealth, it was to promote that in our desperate and broken state, the only thing that can meet that need is The Blood of Jesus

It can restore broken lives, I can testify to that, it can restore broken marriages, it can bring hope and healing in desperate situations ...He did that for me

[livin_in_the_Son]

I have to admit that I didn't read the entire post. I really do understand what you are trying to say, but how many have really ever experienced this situation? The blood of Christ cleanses us from sin, it doesn't make us healthy, wealthy, wise, or happy. Jesus promised us abundant life, but the abundance is in the spirit not necessarily the physical. There are many disillusioned Christians out in this world wondering why Christ isn't making their lives any better after asking Jesus into their lives than before asking Jesus in their lives.

God has done many miracles in lives including mine, but the miracles don't usually happen like what is written in this post. Most of the time the miracle is in our own hearts as we submit more and more to God's plan in our lives and trust Him with all of our circumstances.

Mostly what is the issue is that alot of people are hurting in their lives, but Christ's blood never promised these kind of results, but only to cleanse the sinner of their sin.

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh precious is the flow that makes me white as snow, no other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.

I want to categorically deny your claim that asking Christ into your heart doesn't make you healthy, or wealthy...now before anyone bashes me keep reading....just two months ago my husband and I ( and our 4 kids) were evicted....we not only have a home, and food to eat, but we have been capable of paying ALL our bills plus a mandatory $450 payment EVERY WEEK, plus we bought Christmas presents for our 4 children, and still had extra to give to more needy families than ours. My husband didn't get another job, and I still am a stay-at-home-mom...if I'm not wealthy I don't know who is....PLUS we were given the opportunity to move to a cheaper residence soon so next year will be all awesomeness in the Lord!

As for healthy....well I have medical issues that I don't discuss on this forum, some of them female with no proven cure, but God not only cured me, but did it when I was still sitting on the fence because of my illness. I have had so many prayers answered it's ridiculous...even my husband can't believe how blessed we are...(we were offered a free used car out of the blue right when we needed it). God not only hears us, He is present and active in my life. To me, that makes this story all the more powerful....He was there when I almost lost my daughter, and the paramedics couldn't find her heartbeat...but here she is 3 years later, obstinate and gorgeous, patting her heart saying that Jesus lives there....

Just because God doesn't heal us the way we imagine, or let us win the lottery doesn't mean that He doesn't bless His children in abundant and tangible ways everyday. People who are disillusioned by what DIDN'T happen, more than likely are not trusting God, but borrowing back their troubles...no one is gonna truly experience the joy in the Lord doing that...

My God, My Jesus, how I love thee. I want to be someone worth dying for....

[Robert]

I want to categorically deny your claim that asking Christ into your heart doesn't make you healthy, or wealthy...now before anyone bashes me keep reading....just two months ago my husband and I ( and our 4 kids) were evicted....we not only have a home, and food to eat, but we have been capable of paying ALL our bills plus a mandatory $450 payment EVERY WEEK, plus we bought Christmas presents for our 4 children, and still had extra to give to more needy families than ours. My husband didn't get another job, and I still am a stay-at-home-mom...if I'm not wealthy I don't know who is....PLUS we were given the opportunity to move to a cheaper residence soon so next year will be all awesomeness in the Lord!

As for healthy....well I have medical issues that I don't discuss on this forum, some of them female with no proven cure, but God not only cured me, but did it when I was still sitting on the fence because of my illness. I have had so many prayers answered it's ridiculous...even my husband can't believe how blessed we are...(we were offered a free used car out of the blue right when we needed it). God not only hears us, He is present and active in my life. To me, that makes this story all the more powerful....He was there when I almost lost my daughter, and the paramedics couldn't find her heartbeat...but here she is 3 years later, obstinate and gorgeous, patting her heart saying that Jesus lives there....

Just because God doesn't heal us the way we imagine, or let us win the lottery doesn't mean that He doesn't bless His children in abundant and tangible ways everyday. People who are disillusioned by what DIDN'T happen, more than likely are not trusting God, but borrowing back their troubles...no one is gonna truly experience the joy in the Lord doing that...

My God, My Jesus, how I love thee. I want to be someone worth dying for....

I know God is active and present, and hears us; its' one thing to believe when He works in your life the way you are hoping...


...but what about when the answer is "no"? Like when my mom was dying, and Meg and I prayed that she might live?

My mom died in the hospital on March 9, 2011, at 9:58 pm; 4 days before my 37th birthday.


Or my dad, when he stopped breathing and I was on the phone with 911, the phone cradled in my neck, while my arms were cramping from doing CPR?

My dad died on August 28th, at 10:39 am at home, in my arms.


Or my cat Blackie, who woke us howling in absolute agony in our bathroom and could not even stand up because he was in so much pain?

Blackie was put to sleep November 2nd of this year; I don't know the time because I had broken down at my desk.


Please don't take what I am saying as a slam against you, livin_in_the_Son; I mean no harshness or rebuke towards you at all. And heaven knows that what I went through is nothing compared to what other christians have suffered. What I am saying though is that it isn't the times when the Lord answers our prayers that prove our faith, but the times when the answer is "no" or when the Lord has different plans than we do. Yes, it can be said that my folks and cat are "in a better place now", but we who remain are still here in the here and now and the pain is very real. Yes, the Lord heals, but many times it is not all at once and it takes a lot of time. The scars remain for a lifetime. It is when people around us are trying their best to comfort us, but their efforts hit us wrong and we are left looking up at the sky asking in our hearst "why" that our faith is tested sorely. Trusting God is not a matter of the mind, but of the heart; we know whether we do or don't trust Him when the rubber of our faith hits the road that is called life and we are asked to endure the seemingly unendurable.

Christians can say things like "the Lord will provide", "god will sustain you" or "just trust in the Lord", but people in pain and grief need more than that when their hearts are thoroughly broken and just one more slight breeze would cave them in. Scripture tells us:

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." (Romans 12:15, NASB)

Scripture does indeed tell us that the Lord will not allow any trial or tribulation into our lives that we cannot bear; but that by no means says that it will be easy or that we are not to come alongside another when they are in need. Hurting people don't need words so much as they need someone who will mourn with them; a comforting hug that says they are not alone, a gentle touch of the hand on their tear-stained cheeks when they are sobbing and their lives are in a whirlwind. It is in those times when we who seek to comfort may be tested as much as those in need of comfort, as we are asked by the Lord to serve Him by comforting those in need:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." (2 Corinthians 1: 3-4, NASB, emphasis mine)

I do not hold those who are disillusioned in times of crisis in any contempt; we are all human and are fallen, we are all guilty and are only saved by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. But what I will say, with all respect, is that faith when "the tree is green" is easy; it's another matter entirely when the tree has died up and we are under the hammer blows of testing on the anvil of life.




YBIC,


-Robert

[Hannah]

Yes Robert I have to agree we are not promised that we will always have healing and provision along with Salvation.

[Kenny64]

Many today are facing desperate situations of all kinds. If your one who is facing such a time I have great news for you. Jesus Christ has promised no matter what your situation is, no matter how bad it looks or how lost you are, whosever believes upon Him shall not perish but have everlasting life!! That is how powerful His blood is!

Amen!

[soundingthealarm]

the Heart of this story is based from a time in my own personal life that everything I prayed for ..the answer I received was "NO"

It was during that time that the Lord brought to my attention the story of when Jesus was meeting many needs of many people and had gained MANY followers that He stood up and said Unless You eat of my flesh and drink of My Blood you have nothing to do with Me. The Bible tells us that many left Jesus and as they left, Jesus turned to Peter and asked "aren't you going to leave me too?" Peter answered, where else can I go? You alone have eternal life.

The Story of the Mom desperately seeking healing for her earthly situation for her 3 daughters was to be parable to the desperate need we all have in our sinful condition

Many are now going through desperate times and we have been told that "many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord hears our cry and delivers us from all our fears"

In recent weeks I went to the Dr and was given a bad report, did I turn to man as my last resort? No I turned to Christ as my First and Only Truly resort, realizing no Dr, no Drug no Anything was my Savior but Jesus Christ, If was to be healed or have Any Hope in that situation it was in Christ. My outcome is based on the Sovereignty of God, my life is in His Hands.

King David said In Psalms 27 "I would have lost hope unless I believed I would see the goodness of God in the land of the living"

My eternal destiny secure, as the Lord tarrys and I remain...Every single Care ..every single need I have, I look to Him as the Author and Finisher of my faith. If I get sick I cry out to Him, if my transmission blows out, I cry out to Him, IF I have relationship issues, I cry out to Him....why? Because He tells me to Cast All My Cares upon Him!! And I do so with an urgency as parent who has 3 kids in a world gone made (deadly virus spreading)..MY ONLY HOPE in such times is "Jesus Christ"

"A weeping man endures for a night but Joy does Come in the morning" "Desperate times are opportunities to see God move in our lives, in us and through us" to let our light shine into the darkness of gloom and doom!

[SonSeeker]

I find myself agreeing with both Robert and livin_in_the_Son.

I was Saved back in the early 80's, but frankly, my life really didn't change much for a while. I did try to read the Bible, but didn't really understand much except the part where Jesus changed water into wine. For those of you who don't know, I was a practicing alcoholic at that time. Then on Dec. 7, 1986, I took what I pray to God was my last drink. I believe God answered my prayers and delivered me from this terrible disease. Most recovering alcoholics don't quit drinking immediately, they tend to try "controlled drinking" in an effort to prove they can still drink socially. But I did stop immediately and have not had any desire to drink again in 25 years! For this reason I do agree completely with livin_in_the_Son, that our prayers can make us healthier.

But, I agree with Robert also, in that for the past 16 years my wife and I have been praying for a way to sell our business and pursue other endeavors. But our prayers have gone unanswered or answered in the negative. For some reason known only to God, we are still here running our business. God is giving us what we need, but not what we want. We are keeping our heads above water, but that's about all. The only thing we can do is keep praying and accept that God is in charge and knows what He is doing.

In this life, the only thing I really know is what "I want", and when praying I'm passing those "I wants" on to God that He will give me what "I want", and it doesn't seem to matter what the "I want" is. Sometimes we get what "we want", and sometimes we don't. We must trust God in His Infinite Wisdom that only He knows what is best for us at any given time.

[Hannah]

I find myself agreeing with both Robert and livin_in_the_Son.

I was Saved back in the early 80's, but frankly, my life really didn't change much for a while. I did try to read the Bible, but didn't really understand much except the part where Jesus changed water into wine. For those of you who don't know, I was a practicing alcoholic at that time. Then on Dec. 7, 1986, I took what I pray to God was my last drink. I believe God answered my prayers and delivered me from this terrible disease. Most recovering alcoholics don't quit drinking immediately, they tend to try "controlled drinking" in an effort to prove they can still drink socially. But I did stop immediately and have not had any desire to drink again in 25 years! For this reason I do agree completely with livin_in_the_Son, that our prayers can make us healthier.

Our prayers have no power to Heal us. Why do I say this? You see many False Preachers/Teachers today have perverted the concept of prayer and healing.

When we pray we make a request of God. The prayer itself has no power.

Healing comes directly from God as an answer to our prayer. This is what Peter explained to a crowd who witnessed the healing of a begger.

AC 3:11 While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: "Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.

The healing of this begger at Solomon's Colonade was not due to prayers to God or the godliness of Peter and John. Neither Peter nor John had any power to heal this man. The healing came from God alone. It is God's power that heals.

There are many who have prayed over and over again and not received healing at all but are Saved Believers.

Your experience is valid and certainly a Blessing. Healing doesn't come with every prayer prayed by a Saved Believer. Healing comes from God alone.


When you pray for healing if it is God's Will to Heal you then you will receive your healing. Many godly Saved Believers have remained in their illness despite doing everything according to God's Word to gain their healing.

It would be wonderful to simply say to someone you can get healing or good health through prayer. Just pray and guaranteed your cancer will be gone, you will no longer suffer high blood pressure, your disability will just be removed. However that doesn't happen. I am not saying don't pray at all for healing. There isn't a magic healing formula.

The power to heal comes from God and He decides if you will receive healing or not. If you do not get your healing, keep praying and waiting on God. I have been doing that for all of my Christian walk with God because I have been sick since childhood. So for just over 30 years I have prayed and prayed and prayed for God to heal my body. Not healed yet!

There is healing for all of God's children but some may not be healed on this earth but in Heaven.

Getting Saved doesn't immediately give you access to healing every time you pray.

[anath]

I believe God healed SS.
God our Father is just that our Father and we are merely children that He loves, watches and protects. We do not get everything we want, but He most assuredly gives us what we need. He will supply all our needs.

[LivnForChrist]

I agree with both of them too. They are both correct. Whether God heals or does something else
is all under his sovereignty. Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes the answer is no. Word of faith
people have taken it to the extreme but they didn't corner the market on faith. Their lies don't stop me
from believing God for the miraculous even if I don't receive it like I want. I have faith that when I
pray that I will receive an answer. I also believe that no matter what, the Lord knows what is best and I
trust him to not make any mistakes...ever. What a wonderful God we serve!

[livin_in_the_Son]

Oh Robert, , that's what I meant about how sometimes God doesn't heal in the way we want....I've had plenty of death in my life, from miscarrying, to a boyfriend who killed himself. I have medical issues now that will stay with me until the Lord brings me home. My oldest son has disabilities that he struggles with everyday.


God healed your parents, and your dear kitty...just not what you expected. No one can argue that being taken to heaven didn't heal them completely.


It's trusting God that even though I don't like it, I don't understand it, and I want something else....He knows what's best for me. Just like when my children beg and plead and get mad at me when I don't let them have another candy bar, or to stay up another hour, or to turn off the video games. They don't like me, they want something different, and they ask why? But at the end of the day, I know what's best, and they still love me...and a month later when my son gets an A on his social studies test...he begins to understand too.

I wasn't offended in the least bit so don't worry.
.

[anath]

I have to add something. Robert, it's been a very hard year for you dear brother, that is understood Others however can see a beautiful picture forming with your new bride and new surroundings. I know the Lord has taken away but He surely has given and what a blessing she is!

[Meg]

I find myself agreeing with both Robert and livin_in_the_Son.

I was Saved back in the early 80's, but frankly, my life really didn't change much for a while. I did try to read the Bible, but didn't really understand much except the part where Jesus changed water into wine. For those of you who don't know, I was a practicing alcoholic at that time. Then on Dec. 7, 1986, I took what I pray to God was my last drink. I believe God answered my prayers and delivered me from this terrible disease. Most recovering alcoholics don't quit drinking immediately, they tend to try "controlled drinking" in an effort to prove they can still drink socially. But I did stop immediately and have not had any desire to drink again in 25 years! For this reason I do agree completely with livin_in_the_Son, that our prayers can make us healthier.

But, I agree with Robert also, in that for the past 16 years my wife and I have been praying for a way to sell our business and pursue other endeavors. But our prayers have gone unanswered or answered in the negative. For some reason known only to God, we are still here running our business. God is giving us what we need, but not what we want. We are keeping our heads above water, but that's about all. The only thing we can do is keep praying and accept that God is in charge and knows what He is doing.

In this life, the only thing I really know is what "I want", and when praying I'm passing those "I wants" on to God that He will give me what "I want", and it doesn't seem to matter what the "I want" is. Sometimes we get what "we want", and sometimes we don't. We must trust God in His Infinite Wisdom that only He knows what is best for us at any given time.

I can relate, Sonseeker. I haven't gotten a whole lot of the "I wants" either. My health is broken, with hip and spine problems... Life as I once knew it is altered forever -- for the worse, it seems about now. Sometimes the Lord asks us to endure the difficult; He's got a reason. Thats where trusting His character and intent comes into play. There is an account in Walking His Trail, by Steve Saint, of the time he was interviewing the missionaries widows for a documentary. When Steve was interviewing MaryLou McCully, he asked her what it was like for her and her late husband in the final days before he was martyred. She replied they were both certain of God's provision and protection. Steve asked, "What about after Ed was killed". Mrs McCully, who was pregnant at the time said she was still feeling God's protection, that her confidence in Him never wavered. Saint was stunned, absolutely floored. He said he had never known such faith. I never have either, but that testimony helps me to seek God's intent in impossible circumstances like the mess I've been enduring for well over a year now. I trust God's intent. And now and then I glimpse His intentions... He comes up with things I'd have never thought of. And, so far, He has provided...

Up or down, rich (nope, not so far) or poor (the usual case in my life), up or down, live or die, wherever I find myself, I will serve the Lord. He doesn't owe me... On the other hand, I do owe Him... But beyond that, I love and respect Jesus Christ. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Its people who hurt me, not God. Jesus Christ healed me within, something I will never forget. His ways are enough for me. The rest is just details.

[SonSeeker]

I believe God healed SS.
God our Father is just that our Father and we are merely children that He loves, watches and protects. We do not get everything we want, but He most assuredly gives us what we need. He will supply all our needs.

Amen sis!

[ANY MINUTE]

As a member who doesn't post much, I just wanted to say how interesting, and what a priviledge it is to read how other believers describe both their trials and their victories In Christ.

I'm sure no one here would dispute the fact that the free gift of salvation offered by grace through faith alone, bought and paid for with the blood of Christ at the cross, is by far the richest blessing any of us could ever receive. How could anything ever compare? How undeserving we are, yet not only did He die for us, we also received His very nature, imputed to us. We have inherited His righteousness and are completely justified in Jesus, before a Holy God. We are bought and paid for, eternally secure. Soon hopefully to be called up to meet Him in the air, forever changed, rid of our broken, sinful bodies at last. Or maybe we will die before that day comes, continuing to grow in and contending for the faith, walking in and relying on the One who supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus PHILIPPIANS 4:19

This thread reminded me to read again through the entire 4th chapter of PHILIPPIANS. I think on the words Paul wrote(by way of the Holy Spirit) in PHILIPPIANS 4:11-13

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.


I know that I'm certainly not there yet. I have suffered loses in this life, though not as great as many others. I have also been blessed in ways I could never imagine or sometimes even think to ask for. Our God is perfect in all His ways and knows exactly what we need, long before we ever do.