July 25:The Power of Prayer

Theme: Seeking God in all circumstances.

Sarah Bevans
Shepherdess, 
George Town SDA Church

Scripture: James 5:16

“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayerof a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

The prelude of the verse for our devotional reflection today is verse 13 of the fifth chapter of James – it clearly captures the attitude and heart of the believer when engaged in prayer:

 “Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms. Prayer is not just an activity but a lifestyle, not just a cliché that we tell people when we are lost for words, but an attitude that guides our actions as we face each day.

The year 2013 will always be a reminder to me of the power of prayer. My husband had been suffering from excruciating nerve pain, and we did not know the cause. However, the pain was so intense at times that he would just isolate himself in the room, crying out to God until he would fall asleep. It had been over five years seeking treatment and remedies to relieve the pain.  Acupuncture, physiotherapy, and pain management sessions would only bring a temporary fix to a long-term damaged spine.

I had seen him go on with his daily pastoral duties with eagerness and zeal, encouraging others, conducting evangelistic crusades, and visiting the sick, after which he would return home to numb the pain and continue the daily cycle. With three young children, a busy schedule and a sick husband I felt that every time people said to me “I will pray for you” it was the most irritating and empty statement – why tell me you are praying or that you will pray – why not just take my hand and pray for me now? I thought to myself. Over time, I found myself not even wanting to pray anymore. It seemed that God was not fair.

As time elapsed and we were going through this experience, I soon realized that this affliction was not meant for death, but it was for my development. God was working a miracle in me, through my husband’s pain, he was shaping my life, teaching me the lessons that I needed to understand and love him above all things, to be able to appreciate his silence, his will, his providence, and to accept my purpose. There were so many miracles we experienced through this ordeal, but one of the most transformative ones was the miracle of healing and provision.

It was only until I understood truly that I should pray through my affliction that I was able to praise and be merry in my affliction. I made it my duty not to focus on what I was experiencing but to look around and identify someone who was going through a similar situation and be there for them. This was the first time I truly understood what the gospel really is – it’s not about me, not about my ups and downs; it’s about Christ, and His power to save.  God gave me the opportunity to practice being the Christian I desired others to be. There she was, my church sister Mishell, her husband had a brain tumor and was in the hospital; unlike me, Mishell did not have a job or a form of income, her husband was the sole provider. Unlike me, Mishell was always praising and thanking God even in her pain and desperation. I couldn’t figure out “why?” or “how?” she did it.  I just knew that even if she was not asking, she needed me to take her hand and pray with her, she needed me to take her three children for the day and allow her to get some rest and alone time, she needed me to give her some words of encouragement and affirmation because God was also working in her and for her husband. And I did just that. My children were happy with their new friends, and I had someone else to encourage while encouraging myself during playtime.

I wish I could tell you we both got what we wanted, but I must say, God’s will be done. Mishell’s husband died a few months later, despite the outcome, she continued trusting God that he would provide for her and her children, amazingly, through her pain, she continued being joyful and praised God even if.  For me, my husband had his surgery, and God performed the miracle of healing. But the impact of this experience will forever shape my life, for my soul needed healing, and God provided that through my husband’s pain and Mishell’s testimony.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the effectiveness of prayer, thank you for allowing us mortals to touch the eternal when we allow you to transform our circumstances through prayer. Thank you for the things we cannot comprehend, but that you allow us to experience so that we can be complete in you. Thank you for choosing me. Take hold of my life and use me as you see fit. In Jesus' name. AMEN!