I have spent quite a bit of time on this small couch over the last few weeks. It has been my “home away from home” as I sat by my father’s bedside during his hospital stay. A bad heart is no fun, and triple bypass surgery is not a joke, but I am amazed at how well he is doing. Or is it really that surprising? Why should I be surprised at his progress when I know of so many people who have been praying for him? Prayer is powerful, so his recovery should be no surprise at all. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. John 5:15. My God can do ANYTHING, so his current situation should not shock me one bit.

I am so grateful for God’s healing touch. The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health. Psalm 41:3. I am so grateful that my dad has a new opportunity to experience life, laugh, make us laugh, and make more memories with the ones he loves. How good our God is! How marvelous are His works!

This small couch has not been the most comfortable place to sleep. It has made my back ache a little and left my muscles sore. But I would do it again in a heartbeat. I wouldn’t have missed a bit of it…not the visits from the doctors and nurses, the smuggling of coffee and milkshakes, the hundred moments of laughter (my dad has a marvelous sense of humor), or the thousand moments of silence. Thank you, Lord, that you have allowed me to spend this precious time with one of my most prized treasures…my dad.

And thank you, God, that you are faithful to hear our prayers. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10.

Something To Ponder…

Do you have hope in the power of prayer?

Can you think of a time when God has marvelously and miraculously answered your prayers?

Additional Scriptures: John 14:14, 1 John 5:14, Psalm 66:18-20, 1 Peter 3:12