I say a little (BIG) prayer

       When an ocean or more separates one from his/her family, it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by negative emotions when that one is too far away to help in times of need.  Helplessness, frustration, guilt, and worry are gremlins that knock on the door of the soul.  It takes this kind of situation to realise where areas of doubt, fear and immature faith live in the heart.  To be honest, I don’t know how people who are without a relationship with God—Whom the Apostle Paul calls The Glorious Father (Ephesians 1:17-NIV)—are able to cope. 

Since 2007 I have made four trips to Florida to help my sister with my Mother’s care.   It was hard to leave them on their own.  But I know that my life is here.   I do try to ring/call them on a regular basis—at least once a week.  Although I can’t give hands-on assistance, I can be an ear for my sister to vent into.  We occasionally have a good laugh—good medicine for us both.  [A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.  Proverbs 17:22] 

The best practical help I can give is prayer.  Sometimes the devil whispers in my ear that it is of little use.  My love wants to “rescue” them.  Yet the Apostle Paul is an example for me—because his letters to the churches are full of his reference to the time he invested in praying for his church family.  In listening prayer God gave Paul insights and instruction to pass along to the churches.  Paul’s letters  tell me that my prayers are mighty.  Thought intangible, my prayers make a difference.  Why—because by pouring out my heart to God, I am waging war.  And not just the war of my mind, learning to chose trust and belief over fear and doubt.  I am asking God to engage His power on behalf of my family—knowing from experience that He Will answer my prayers.  Will He send angels?  Maybe, if that’s what it takes. 

Some of my prayers have been quickly said, in a quiet moment on a walk.  Other prayers have been during loud worship services, filled with declarations of God’s promises. 

Sometimes, when I ring my sister, the moment I hear her voice and know she is in desperate need; my heart aches.  I have been learning to not get stuck in sadness and heartache, but to immediately remind myself of God’s intimate concern for them.  Friends receive phone calls and/or e-mail with my prayer requests.  A few days later I will ring Sissy again.  I hear improvement—my heart is encouraged.  I press in for more prayer. 

God may not answer my prayers in the manner that I want them answered.  Rather, I see Him teaching me to be steadfast in seeking Him in prayer.  I see Him answer what the need is for the moment; which gives me faith to trust Him for the future. 

I am not battling in the heavenly realm alone.  Besides knowing that I can lift up situations and circumstances in my prayer closet, I know that the greatest resource I have is the Church, my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ—my greatest resource.  Our symphony of prayer pushes back the dark clouds, puts the enemy and his plans to flight. 

“Rejoice Always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. 

When my heart aches, choosing to rejoice and be thankful is a true challenge.  But I know that if I follow Paul’s instructions, I “dance on the devil’s head.”  

Being so far away from Mom and Sissy is not easy.  But being close to God, our Father, makes it easier; especially since I know that God is close to them.  The Atlantic Ocean lies between my home and Sissy’s place.  But in the spirit, there is no distance.  And it is not too far to make a difference for them.  After all, love never fails.

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

“Lady Helene”