Stories

In spite of the gray hair and drastic affects of gravity, I am seeing some good in this process of aging.  Things that were once theory to me have become places of certainty—solid ground. If you had asked me in my twenties, “Do you really believe that God answers prayer?”  I would have replied a hearty “Yes” although that twenty-something person had only heard about answered prayer.  But now I live in a world where answered prayer has become the norm. No more hearsay evidence.

On Monday in a Yakima restaurant, Mike and I sat in animated conversation across from his brother and wife.  Our fellowship was wonderful; filled with moments of serious contemplation and bursts of laughter.  As I sat there savoring the time, I remembered.  For more than 40 years, we had been estranged. I cannot count the many times through those years that Mike and I had prayed for God to restore our relationship with Steve and Dianne.  

We had no idea what event God would use to answer that prayer.  Without warning a year ago, Mike almost died with the sudden onset of meningitis and encephalitis. Unexpectedly, Steve and Dianne showed up at ER where Mike had been transported, and where I sat alone.  “We came to support you Barb and help with Mike.”

In the weeks at Harborview in Seattle and rehab here in Ellensburg, two things were miraculously healed:  Mike completely recovered without residual damage from the meningitis; and the long-term broken relationship with Steve and Dianne was wonderfully restored.   

Prayer is no longer a theory to me.  It is my lifeline to the benefits of a heart relationship with God because of Jesus.  I am so grateful.