Believe it or not, this is a true story. Some have described it as amazing, but it is simply one that has given me such hope and inspiration over the years. May it do the same for you ...
In 1966, there was an elderly woman who was unable to attend Church due to physical problems. She was considered a shut-in member of her Church. She was also considered a "Prayer Warrior," since she was known for her effective prayers, lifted out of her suffering and solitude.
She contacted the parents of a child that was born 100% blind at birth. The child was almost one year old. She told the parents that, while in prayer, she was led to suggest to them that they have the child anointed and prayed over in the manner prescribed scripturally (James 5:14-16). She also told them that she believed the child would do great things for the Lord.
The parents had just taken the child to the eye doctor for a follow-up. You see, the child's retina were deformed, and the doctor had no medical hope to offer. The nature of the condition and the age of the child were both beyond the reach of natural development and medical intervention, even by today's standards. The parents and the doctor discussed how to prepare the child for a life of total blindness.
In spite of the doctor's prognosis, the parents acted in good faith by having the child prayed over and anointed during the next Church service. In doing so, witnesses noted that the child immediately showed signs of sight, by his physical reaction to movement and nearby shiny objects. There was a hush that came over the entire congregation, when the child started looking cross eyed. He worked to focus on his hands and people around him, especially his parents that continued to hold him. Everyone stayed around the altar for quite some time, remaining still and silent. You could hear an occasional mild cry of joy and whispering of praises throughout the sanctuary. This continued, even after the parents returned to their pew with the visually active child. The child continued to look around at people in front and behind. He also continued to work his focus toward his hands and parents, as this was the first time in his life to see them. Throughout this entire experience, there was a Holy quietness. There was no sermon, as everyone present spent the time reflecting and silently giving praise. There was no dismissal. Those present simply departed the Church in silence after a time, as the Holy Spirit seemed to be active in guiding the service that evening.
After arriving home, the father walked around the house carrying the child. It was amazing to see him notice pictures and other objects on the walls.
The following week, the eye doctor confirmed that the child had suddenly developed enough retina to where the child could see. The appointment started off with the child slapping the doctor, when he came close. The child clearly had enough sight to do this much. Even so, the child was left with enough of an impairment to struggle in life. Nevertheless ...
The child was able to attend public school, as well as go on to college. While the difficulties were enormous, suffering through the process made him stronger than his vision made him weak. The child became a man, found peace with God, and he now embraces any opportunity to serve the Lord and make a difference in the lives of others.
However, this story goes back to the shut-in, the "Prayer Warrior" at the beginning of this true story. SHE is my focus here. She made a difference by making herself useful in her weakness. She did not spend her time in bitterness. She spent her time lifting up others, including the child that was healed from blindness by the Lord's mercy. Her attentiveness and obedience enabled her to be a timely messenger. She would always give God the glory for any of the blessings that seemed to follow her prayers.
I would like to disclose to you at this point that I was the child in this story. I'm 47 years old, and I think more and more every day about how I can be useful to the Lord. I am thankful for everything in my life, and yet I do struggle each day. However, I think about that "Prayer Warrior" who played a role in my life, by making herself useful in spite of her suffering. I strive to live by her example. This page was created as THE alternative to worrying about things in my life that I cannot control. I strive to make myself useful to the Lord, like the faithful "Prayer Warrior." I sometimes like to think that God allows her to peek down through an open window in Heaven, so that she can share in the joy of the resonating goodness brought about by her faithfulness.
NEVER underestimate how God can use you, and NEVER underestimate how God can use someone else. NEVER underestimate the Lord, our God, the worker of miracles. Finally, NEVER fail to share the good news with others, that God is present and active in this old world. Whether there is a miracle to be seen or not, He is with us, always. He is faithful.
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