On Wednesday nights my church is showing a film on the life of Christ, taken from the book of John. So, last Wednesday I'm sitting in my pew, alone because my husband doesn't come on Wednesday nights and my son was in his Bible class, and I'm watching as Jesus deals with the blind man from the 9th chapter. Jesus spit on the ground, made some mud, and put it on the man's eyes. I'd never really thought about the fact that the blind man couldn't see what was going on so was probably sitting there somewhat passively. Then, Jesus said, "Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam." The blind man jumped up and went.
Wow, without question, the blind man jumped up and went.
I wonder how many times I didn't jump up and go.
That blind man had faith.
Personally, for me, I've found that my faith is stronger when my prayer life is stronger, so, of course, I'm always working on praying. The strongest my prayer life was, was in the early 2000s. I prayed to God every time I got in the car. I'd turn the radio off and I'd pray. My lips would move; sometimes my hands would, too. I was praying for something I had no control over: something I couldn't fix. Sometimes I felt so close to him it was almost tangible. I wasn't blind, but I did need healing. God answered my prayer, that time with a yes. (That yes is turning four next month!)
I didn't stop praying, but I've yet to recapture the closeness I had when I wanted something that I prayed four years for. Interestly enough, as I sit here staring at this blog, I'm thinking that I still pray just as often, but now so often, I'm giving thanks... and I was closer to God when I laying a huge need at his feet.
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Pamela, I love that story of the blind man. I've always been amazed that he just got up and went.
ReplyDeleteI've prayed over the last few years (after studying a really great Bible study book that's name escapes me) that I'll be open to God's nudgings. That I'll do the things He's leading me to do--making a phone call, sending a letter, talking to someone, helping someone... I want to be available for Him to use me.
Missy
I'd read the verses in the Bible many times, taught it to little guys too, but never visualized the man standing up and going to the pool without a moment's hesitation.
ReplyDeleteWednesday night I had what's called an AHA moment.
I'd like more of them.
This is so true about faith and prayer going hand-in-hand.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post!
Cheryl
All these posts lately are just awesome faith builders. Thanks, ladies.
ReplyDeleteCheryl,
ReplyDeleteThanks! We are so excited about you joining us in February.
Linda,
ReplyDeleteYou know, I love that phrase "Faith Builders". I figured out that writing inspirational fiction was a great way to build faith. Reading the Bible to figure out my characters helped ground me more in some of the parables. And, this blog, on faith, was another calling. I thought at the beginning of the month that I knew what I wanted to write, but something completely different came off my fingers. Hmmm. Today, I tried again. It's hard for me to talk about that time of prayer four years ago. See, we'd had hope three times. Three. Even one of the doctors said "Stop Trying." Faith kept me trying. Faith.
Everyone has a different relationship with God. I, too, have been in that position of praying when in need or for a loved one. But giving thanks is a wonderful way to acknowledge and be close to God as well. You had a lot of people praying with you in those 4 years for you to have your son, Pam. We all had our prayers answered.
ReplyDeleteLisa,
ReplyDeleteYou were there, and I remember you never doubted, even when I wailed. Do you remember? You said I'd have a boy.
I found that in the lowest times of my life, the choruses that I learned as a child in Sunday school came easily during my time of prayer. What a comfort they were.
ReplyDeleteSo true was this scripture for me:
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6
Anita,
ReplyDeleteAs always, you are a voice of wisdom.
Just wanted you to know that I enjoy your blog so much, that I follow it! You have terrific posts (like this one)!
ReplyDeleteI've given you a blog award. You can stop by WordVessel to pick it up in the post on 1-17-09.
Blessings!
Cathy Bryant
http://wordvessel.blogspot.com
Cathy,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for enjoying our site. I've posted the award on our sidebar :) Color us happy.
Pamela, great post. Wow. It's so true, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI often don't jump up and go when I wish I would. I'm kinda wimpy.
Thanks for the post.
Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine you sitting still!
I've kind of been reading and catching up on posts tonight. You are an amazing group of ladies. You encourage my faith! Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteMary