So I was already planning on doing a post on this topic, and had been thinking about it A LOT lately and trying to decide what I actually believe when my friend Jill, who is battling ALS, wrote this post. It was actually pretty crazy (and I'm sure not at all coincidental) that we were thinking about the same things.
* A side note before I get into all of this - I think Jill is one of the most courageous, honest, and amazing people on the face of this planet. I won't say she's strong or an inspiration (because I know that she doesn't feel like it), but I admire so many things about her, probably the biggest ones being her transparency and ever-growing faith (no matter how that manifests itself, Jill). *
I was talking to a friend the other day, and she said she doesn't think God performs miracles like He did back in Bible days. She said she thinks He did it that way back then to confirm the Word and that Jesus was, in fact, the Son of God.
I hope that's not true. I NEED to believe in miracles. And I'm not talking about a Stepladder Babies sort of miracle or even a Gabe's Message sort of miracle. I'm talking about an out and out God snaps his finger and takes away Jonah's EB sort of miracle. Because, honestly, I think a miracle from God is more likely than a cure. I'm not trying to be a pessimist or a defeatist, but if Jonah has the most rare form of an already extremely rare disorder, why would the research money go to curing his type? (Junctional is only 10% of EB cases.) And I know about the bone marrow transplants that are being done (and successfully so), but that's only for Dystrophic and, right now, only for kids who have a sibling match. And bone marrow transplants are no joke. They are dangerous and risky and no easy fix, to be sure.
I beg God for a miracle all the time - complete and total healing. I know He can do it, but will He? And I feel like I have so much faith that He can, but I often doubt that He will. I think about having faith like a mustard seed to move mountains, and when I think about that verse, it really does make me think that maybe He doesn't do that kind of miracle still. Because I feel like I have at least that much faith, and here Jonah is... so sick. And if He does still do that kind of miracle, who gets healed and who doesn't? Why hasn't he healed Jill? Why is Stellan still sick? Why did Kayleigh die? I know that my human understanding just can't get it. I know I'll never understand all this pain.
I just want to scream at all those Bible people who, no matter how many miracles God did, they still doubted. I mean, he parted a sea for crying out loud. He healed the lepers and only one came back. I would do anything for God to heal Jonah. I would dip him in a river seven times, I would lower him through the roof, I would travel across the world, I would crawl to touch the hem of his robe. He could do it in person. He could do it from afar. I would believe. I do believe.
But I still don't get it. Is it selfish to pray for healing? For a miracle? How do I pray, "Your will be done"? That is so scary to me. I know that's what I should pray, but rarely ever do I have the guts to pray it.
So in the meantime, I pray that God takes Jonah's pain away, that his face will continue to have more good days than bad, that he'll eat, that he'll resist infection... that we'll be strong enough to persevere... that we'll be able to do enough to keep him safe.
And of Him who is able to do immeasurably more than I can even ask or imagine, I ask for a miracle... even if it is selfish or not in line with His plan for Jonah, one thing I know for sure is that He understands why I have to ask anyway.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
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oUR PRAYER IS THAT GOD SENDS THAT MIRACLE AS WELL. DO NOT LOOSE THE FAITH. WE PRAY FOR YOU AND JONAH. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU EVERYDAY AND KNOW THAT HE HEARS YOUR CRY FOR THAT MIRACLE!
BRENDA
I don't think it's selfish to pray for healing or to pray for a miracle. But when we do that, we also have to be willing to accept that the answer to the prayer might not be what we had in mind. God WILL heal our children - but it might not be until they get to Heaven's gates. That's a hard fact to accept, but when I thought about it, our time on earth - whether we live to be 1 or 100 - is terribly short in the grand scheme of things. Even if our child isn't healed til Heaven, that leaves all of eternity pain-free and healthy!
So keep praying and keep EXPECTING miracles!!
Ethel
I think your last paragraph says it all - that God understands why we have to pray for the miracle, but that you know that it is His will that will be done.
Miracles do happen - just like in the bible times, I think sadly, we (as a whole, not any one in particular) get so wrapped up in the distractions, we miss the miracles.
I for one will keep praying for a miracle for Jonah.
such a beautiful post. no i don't think it's selfish to pray for a miracle. i am praying for healing for your little guy.
such a heartfelt post. you are a great and insightful writer.
This is a wonderful reflection. It's such a hard topic to consider, when we really think about those we know who suffer. We are all praying for a miracle for Jonah, too!
Your post made me cry...because I feel the same way. I do not understand why children like Jonah suffer. I pray for God's healing also when it comes to sickness & disease. I don't think that's selfish or wrong in the least bit. How can it be wrong to want to end the pain and suffering of people we love and care about. I do pray for God's will when it comes to making decisions or life changes--because sometimes I want to control those things, instead of letting God work things out according to HIS plan. I am praying and believing in a miracle of healing for Jonah.
Pray, Patrice, Pray! God CAN do miracles. I always ponder how we cry out for different types of miracles, you for Jonah. Me, I have perfectly healthy children but a far from healthy marriage. My cries for a miracle are related to that. But we are all crying out and God hears and is wise about everything that is happening in our lives.
I agree with you Patrice!! I don't think you are selfish, you are a loving mother, and as a christian why shouldn't you ask Our Father for a miracle for your son? Ask and believe girl!! The hard part is in God's time.
I believe that there ARE still miracles happening, everyday, in all forms. The reason we don't hear about them is that they happen to humble people who don't shout about it, and the ones who do have worldly people trying to explain what happened logically.
Oh, honey, He sure does understand why you need to pray for Jonah's healing. I have MS, and in the beginning, I struggled with how to pray. If I pray for healing, does that mean I'm not willing to accept God's will for my life should it not come? If I don't pray for healing, does that mean I don't believe He can?
What I finally decided is that I DO pray for healing. Jonah WILL be healed one day, Praise God! We are all praying that he gets earthly healing. I wish I could tell you what God's plan for him is. I really do. It breaks my heart to see anyone deal with a sick baby, on top of having to let baby Gabe go Home, too. Either one is terrible. Together, they are next to impossible. God WANTS you to intercede on your child's behalf. I fully believe that He does. I also know that should it not go the way we're all praying it does, He knows you believe in Him enough that He will get you through. Pray for a miracle. Jonah will be healed! And when you can't find the words to pray at all, just sit silently. God understands the groanings of your heart, too.
Patrice, so much of what you wrote is exactly what I feel--we are fighting much the same battle with the rare diseases. No research money for us, either. I pray all the time that God will heal Dakin, but I have come to the conclusion (at least for him and barring a miracle) that the miracle will be what God does THROUGH Dakin. Not that it's much condolence when my kid will never walk or breathe without a machine, but it's something, right? We need to have some hope to hold on to.
One day at a time, Sweet Jesus. One day at a time. Oh Patrice, you are a miracle, I am a miracle and Jonah is a miracle. Does God still perform miracles like in the Bible? YES, there are cases of it, documented cases. I don't know why He allows Jonah to be in pain and allows you to wonder and worry. I do not understand it either. But the other miracle is that we are able to wonder and ask and He STILL loves us. I am praying for a miracle, too (the snap your fingers and heel Jonah miracle to be specific). And Jonah WILL BE HEALED--in God's time. I love you. Thanks so VERY much for sharing. Jennifer in Southeast, NC
Wow. That gave me chills. Major chills! I will pray with you and for you every single day!!!!!!
I do not think it is selfish to ask for a miracle for your precious baby! God knows your heart and why you pray what you pray. This post is very well-written. Thank you for sharing!
God still performs miracles. Like the day we went for an expensive 4D sonogram, were almost late=cancelled, and found baby Avery in distress. Not for that "unnecessary" sonogram that would have been Avery's last days. God chose to miraculously bring 2 lb Avery to us through that on that day. He could have given us a miracle with her brother too but he is now waiting for us in Heaven. This life just takes a lot of faith. Lean on Jesus and not your own understanding. He is the God of miracles.
Beautiful post, Patrice. The last paragraph really speaks to me. Thanks, as always, for sharing your faith with all of us.
I've read some of Jill's blog, and I think I'll hop on over after I'm finished here. Thanks for the links.
Hi Patrice-
Thanks so much for sharing this (gosh, that sounds so flimsy, but I really do mean it!) So many of us are willing to keep on our "brave face" (myself included) and not put feelings, concerns, etc. out for everyone to see.
I do believe that God still can, does, and will perform miracles. That is my prayer for Jonah every day. I know that it's yours as well, and that God hears all of our prayers. James 5:16 says "the fervent prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." (not to sound preachy or anything...)
Anyway, it's so easy for me to say "hang in there" or "keep the faith" or even "I'm praying for you" when I don't really even know you, so I don't want you to think I'm throwing those words around. My fervent prayer is for you to be strong and at peace in your faith, and above all for healing for Jonah.
Love from TX!
Laura
Wow. Your post impacted me so much. I have had (and still have) so many of the same thoughts/feelings that you expressed here with regard to our son and also a dear friend of ours who is losing a long battle with MS. Thank you for posting so honestly. I especially love your last line- God understands why we have to ask for miracles. What a GOOD God we serve, undoubtedly. Thank you again.
Yes, God still performs miracles. One flaw in your friends' theory-- there are more people now that don't believe than there were in the "Bible days." (Aren't we STILL in the Bible days?) The Bible says we have not because we ask not. I think it's your duty to ask for a miracle for Jonah. We don't know exactly what God's will is for every life, so we just have to accept his answer.
I have my own miracle God did for my daughter and it took YEARS for it to come to pass. I never believed He wasn't capable--- just like you said HE IS ABLE! But I had my moments of "Okay, God WHEN?" If you're interested in how God delivered her from a rare blood disorder and Selective Mutism, go to my blog and click on the label "miracles" or "selective mutism." God bless you, Patrice and don't stop praying and expecting! =)
I had a cousin who died of a brain tumor, and through it all I came to understand one very important fact: God uses children because adults are too stubborn to be used and people don't care as much about adults. Children can reach the lost. Children's struggles and challenges can soften hardened hearts.
So why does He allow sickness with children- brain tumors in teens and EB in babies? Because people take notice and then He can move on them. They are his little megaphones to a lost and dying world.
My cousin was a freshman in college and feeling distant from God so she prayed "I miss you. Use me Lord- I want you to work through me." God answered her and said "Are you sure? It's going to be bad." She said "Yes Lord. I am your servant." The next day she had a grand mal seizure and was eventually diagnosed with the brain tumor. In the 2 years she lived after that, she traveled and sang in churches, giving her testimony. Still today many are coming to know the Lord through her life, her CD, and her testimony.
Great thinking post! I have so much trouble with God's will too. I usually pray something like "I don't Your plan for me but I hope it involves... and could You show me a sign so I know what the plan is?" It's soo tough to give it all over sometimes! kara
Patrice,
I'm not exactly sure how to say this or if it will help you at this time but I am going to say it anyway. I have seen a miracle. My son died 3 years ago in the NICU. Kyle was 4 1/2 months old. I spent a long time being mad at God and blaming Him for no miracle for my beautiful baby. I went through severe boughts of depression. Even after I had another baby, Lucas, I still blamed god and rejected His presence in my life. This past January, I was lying in bed thinking of Kyle and filled with so much emotion that I began to cry. I started to pray. I prayed for the first time in 2 1/2 years. Actually I started to ask, no beg for an answer...WHY? All of the sudden, I saw Jesus Crist behind my tear filled, closed tight eyes. I saw him on the cross with his crown of thorns. Then, it was as if I was just instantly given knowledge. Jesus did not speak to me in any way. I just knew this information. I knew that Kyle was going to be sick no matter what. I knew that Kyle was going to die no matter what. As it was Christ's burden to carry the cross, it was also Kyle's burden to be very sick and only be with us a short while. The reason that he was sent to us was because God knew that we would love him whole heartedly and fight for him no matter what. Kyle needed our love especially because he only had 4 1/2 months to receive a whole life's worth of love. I knew this knowledge to be true.I knew I had been given a gift in this knowledge. I knew Kyle was with Jesus and was burdened no more. So, my lesson was that there are miracles there, you just have to know where to find them. I hope this gives you some comfort.
Cory
I still believe in miracles from God ... and I still ask for them because He knows my heart anyway and I'm to give the desires of my heart to Him. I don't think it's selfish. I think it's leaning into the knowledge of God's power ... and trusting that He still has only our very best in mind ... even when it's hard to see!
I don't have any wise words for you right now.
I do have a story. A very close, personal friend of mine just received one of God's miracles. She had brain cancer, 13 tumors in all, in her brain and on her brain stem. She was given 90 days to live.
And some wonderful prayers took place, and she was healed. Totally healed. No more tumors, all 13 gone! Vanished. Her doctors don't know what to think.
But we, as believers know. God healed her.
And I am blessed beyond measure to have been able to witness a miracle in my life. And I am praying for such a miracle in your life as well.
I was just praying for a "miracle" the other day for Jonah and wondering if one day he would wake up with perfect skin or if the blisters would heal one by one.
We'll keep praying for a miracle with you!!
I will try and make this short... Before joanna was born she was diagnosed with a very rare genetic disorder Tetrasomy X. She had a huge cyst on her neck and two heart problems. We prayed and prayed that God would heal her. Just take all these problems away so we could have a perfectly healthy baby. We had ultrasound apt couple of times a week. And our prayers were harder and louder. They gave a 10% chance of survival. 2 days before she was birthed they did the final ultrasound. The doctors were shocked. THey cyst was GONE!! To us it was a miracle that only God could of done. She does have a lot of health problems along with another Rare Genetic disorder that isnt related to the first. Crazy huh? She is very much alive and happy. Yes she hurts on occation but she is still happy. Despite how often she see's SOOO many doctor's she is still happy. That to is a miracle to me. I understand you wanting him to be completly healed I do. But Jonah can handle it and he will teach so many something!
God bless your family :)
cherry
of course it's ok to pray for a miracle, but in the process of doing so we also must accept god's will. but that doewn't mean i don't pray for a miracle because i do, i pray for a miracle for jonah and i will continue to pray for a miracle healing for him. and i pray with the expectation of a miracle.
--mari
i think your last line says it all...He understands why. i'm sure when God's son was dying on the cross for our sins, in His heart of hearts, He wished He could have spared Jesus. So He does understand and always will when you ask Him for a miracle. and i think he understands when we all do too :) God bless you and your precious family!
Don't give up! I am praying for his complete and total healing every day, as are so many others! Jonah is going to be a part of a cure for this. I do not know what role he will play but I really believe that is one of his purposes. When I close my eyes and pray for him I see two pictures. I see him as he is now with his gorgeous eyes and cute baby expressions and his sores, and I see him a strong healthy man, healed and whole! Don't give up on a miracle... Maybe it hasn't happened yet because Jonah's miracle will be a miracle for others with EB. God has plans for Jonah! Oh what a wonderful comforting thought I hope that is to you! **HUGS** to you! Hang in there! Keep praying! We're praying with you. ♥
Estas en mis oraciones para que sigas teniendo fuerzas y fe. Jonah es un niño hermoso y Dios quiera y le haga un milagro.
un abrazo desde Mexico!
Rebecca
rebeccagonzalezg@hotmail.com
Miracles do happen, but why they happen to some people and not others, nobody knows. Why does little Stellan keep beating the odds but not your Gabe, or Kayleigh...we don't know. I guess it could be one of those big picture things...you don't know what Jonah might achieve in the future with his EB. Or even now, how much awareness you have brought with this site or how much Jonah means to people. And little Gabe, how he paved the way for his brother by making you so ready to accept Jonah and his terrible disease because of Gabe. Every life means something, even a short one.
This is amazing. I prayed long and hard last night about the same topic as it applies to my life. I, too, have complete understanding and faith that God can do anthing. It's the "will" part that gets me. I am not married but suspect it might be easier to trust a spouse in some respects because both partners have the same goals and wills. How can we fully trust God if we don't fully understand His will? Accepting it is a whole other scarry story. It seems that putting our lives in His hands means that we agree with the path down which He will lead us. I know we should and must, but the belief and certainty side of faith is so much easier than the "will" part.
And no, it's never selfish to pray for a full on miracle, especially if you perceive (there's that will thing) that it will improve the life of another human being.
Patrice,
I do know how you feel..My son has a rare immunity and I have asked GOD Why and I have prayed for him so many times and here we sit Day +29 post transplant but I see little miracle that God has done like calm him in mist of a Screaming fit because his skin itches so bad or hes in such pain but we pray over him and he stops and just falls asleep and even the miracle that Anthony is alive in all he has endured during his 18 months here.God can heal Jonah or he can do little miracles and its those little miracles that sometime is Gods Answer.
I will continue to pray for Jonah and you.Keep the faith.
God bless
Rhonda
Hey, I appreciate your honesty. The circumstances in my life are different, but I have had that same issue. I believe with all my heart that God can do it, but will he? What makes the difference? Thanks for sharing.
i am praying for a miracle for your sweet Jonah too...He can heal...and Jonah is already a miracle. hope ya'll have a wonderful weekend!
much love and blessings~erin
I believe that God still performs miracles 100%! I pray several times a day for a total healing miracle for Jonah. Whether or not He chooses to do that, He is still our wonderful, compassionate, loving God. As much as I hate to see a child suffer, God can use that suffering to reach many for His Kingdom. The miracle just might be that through Jonah's life many people that you have met and many more that you haven't will make decisions to accept Christ because of your family's testimony. I know that God has used Jonah and your blog to bring myself closer to Him.
As a mother myself, I can't imagine watching my child suffer so much, even if we knew God's purpose and reasoning in this. I know that it would be extremely hard to pray for God's will and trust Him completely with whatever His will is. I just know that He will walk every step of the way with you and will be glorified in Jonah's life. Praying for strength, peace, and total healing for Jonah and your family.
Terah
I try to think of my relationship with the Father as a true parent and child relationship. My children may ask for candy and because I know about nutrition, I give them apples instead. All they know is they didn't get what they wanted, but I know they got what they needed. Even when they get crabby, I love them and can usually determine why (low blood sugar, lack of sleep) Happy, crabby, or in between I love them and am proud to be their Mom at all times. God is my father and even on my worst days, he loves me and is proud that I am his. I believe that asking for a miracle praises God because it proves your belief in him. Accepting less than a miracle acknowledges that he knows more about you than you do. But remember God knows that while you'll eat the apple, you would have been happier with the candy.
That's what we pray for your Jonah all the time: complete and miraculous healing. God can do it, and He may choose not to... but man, if He does it with your little guy, how awesome would that be?
I've been praying for that miracle for Jonah since he was born. Will continue to pray. Perhaps His miracle will come in the form of a cure that can help all the babies with this type of EB. Your faith just amazes me, Patrice! :)
I have a picture hanging on my wall the says " Faith is not believing God can it's knowing that God will." I pray for a miracle cure for Jonah every night!
I do NOT think it is selfish to pray for healing--miracle. I love the payer of Jabez--it is on my desk at work and I read it every morning. (ok...or try to!)
And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh, that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me an that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" So Go granted him what he requested. 1 Chronicles 4:10
This verse to me means...it is okay to pray for things you want.
Jonah is SO beautiful! Love all the new pictures of him.
Laurel in Alabama
Ask and you shall receive, right? You are not selfish. I think God wants us to ask for big, great things. If we didn't, what kind of small faith would we have? If it's his plan, then it will be. If it's not, then I pray he'll prepare your heart each and every day for what lies ahead. Either way, God is sovereign and working in ways we may never fully understand. Keep asking for a miracle but don't forget that you already have one and his name is Jonah.
I believe! They just manifest in many ways...always praying for daily miracles for baby Jonut!
In His Love, Aimee Pence
You are amazing!!!! If we don't believe that God can do miracles then we are limiting God. My husband I am had this same conversation when a friend of ours 21 year old brother was on dying from cancer. We pray for healing for him and know he can but do we really believe he will. It is such a hard concept and test of faith. I don't think you are being selfish...you are being real and that is what God desires from us. While we always know His will will be done we are also required to seek Him in every way! Keep praying and stay strong, Jonah can be healed!!!!
Yes, yes, YES.
There is a gospel song by the Isaacs- "He Understands My Tears" it is you. God can heal- and your faith will get you through ... always.... that is why we serve Him.... He has all the power! I pray for you continuosly. I am not in your shoes nor do I know how you feel- but I am a mom and I do know how that feels. The love and fear are overwhelming- that is why we put our trust in the Lord because He is watching when no one else is- HE KNOWS- every hair on our heads are numbered. Your family is a blessing to everyone :)
Were you weeping uncontrollably when you wrote that? Because I was as I read. I have held on to those exact sentiments, revisiting them now and then for over 3 years now. I SHOULD have 4 sons. I SHOULD have a 3 year old Samuel to fix breakfast for each morning and kiss goodnight each night. But God's plans were different. He decided that a rare and incurable syndrome take the life of our son just before birth. I tell myself I know the reasons. I know how it has and will continue to help others. But sometimes it's hard to see the part where it helps me. But I know...that I know...that I know. You know? He knows, and that's all that really matters. Jonah is special. I feel it in every fiber of my being. SOMETHING good is 'about' to happen. Good things have BEEN happening. I don't know what He has in store but it's gonna be awesome...
Pray for healing? YES!!!! Pray it, claim it, thank God for it! Pray for healing for Jonah and then thank God (in advance) for answering that prayer.
Kristy, mom to Carson, 6 yo, EBS
Patrice,
Beautifully written words...as always.
You are incredibly gifted. I despise the reason that you have this platform, but I thankful that you've been able to share.
I don't understand and probably never will. And, as I've told you, every time I've wondered about this kind of stuff Jonah is who I think about first.
I loved your last line about God understands why - I probably pray "Please God let me come home and be with You" more than anything.
I can't even imagine thinking about all these things as a Mom watching my sweet baby going through this. I would be exactly like you - praying and believing in a miracle. And I am praying that with you.
I love you.
I think that you have to accept that sometimes Gods will is not your own. That good people suffer and there is nothing anyone can do to help them other then to keep them comfortable for the time that they DO have here on earth.
I think that its almost foolish to pray for a miracle in that sense. Its getting your hopes up and spending time and energy with those thoughts instead of spending time and energy taking care of him and enjoying each second that you do have with him. You are already so emotionally and spiritually fragile; now is NOT the time to wonder why God isn't granting your specific miracle.
Life sucks. And life sure as hell isn't fair; good people suffer and bad people don't. But the only thing that keeps me going is that while I know good people may suffer here on earth, there is none of that in heaven. And the bad people, well, they end up suffering for eternity.
My dad has ALS and he is extraordinarily angry with God now. Wondering why he has to suffer and so slowly loose control of everything. I know better then to pray for a miracle, because thats just not going to happen. In the history of the disease, none have EVER occured. So instead of being mad at God for my father being afflicted with these horrible disease, I PRAISE him for the time that I do have with him and for the precious lessons that we are all learning from his illness. And I pray even harder that his suffering may be minamilized. I thank him for pain medications and doctors and nurses and hospice care. And I thank him even more for giving me the chance to know such a fabulous person.
There is a reason that God gave you Jonah and Gabe. And I know its hard to see through all the pain having two sick babies has caused you, why YOU. But one day, when you meet God, he'll tell you why he chose you. And then you'll understand.
Your beautiful post reminds me of a song that often comes to mind when I'm facing trials and adversity...
Tell me friend, why are you blind?
Why doesn't he who works the miracles send sight into your eyes?
It would be so easy for him!
I watch you and in sorrow question why, but you my friend in perfect faith reply,
"Didn't he say he sent us to be tested? Didn't he say the way would not be sure? Didn't he say we could live with him, well and whole, if we but patiently endure? After the trial, we will be blessed, but this life is the test".
Without a doubt, God will one day heal your son. What a blessed child Jonah is to have parents who love and adore him and who will provide all of his earthly needs. You are doing a wonderful job! You are truly an inspiration.
May God bless sweet Jonah and his dear, dear parents...may you find comfort and peace as you pray to Him who knows your son so perfectly.
I completely understand where you are coming from with this. It makes it hard to know what to pray.
I will never stop praying for my daughter to be healed either.
Patrice--
I continue to pray for healing for Jonah and for a miracle for Jonah. I pray that God would cure his EB. Hang in there and don't give up hope. My sister in law has a cousin that was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 18mos old. She was given a few months to live. After many surgeries, going into remission and the cancer coming back again, and several months at St. Jude, it is now two years later and her cancer is in remission. When her cancer came back the second time, they were told there was no cure for recurring AT/RT...and she is in remission. Miracles DO HAPPEN and with God ALL things are POSSIBLE. Keep believing!
Praying for strength for you all and especially a miracle of healing for sweet Jonah.
Blessings from KY.
Hey Patrice;
Just wanted you to know God does for sure without a doubt still perform miracles today. It says in the bible the works(miracles) Jesus did- that we will do those AND greater works. I believe for Jonah. I pray for Jonah. Have faith and do not let it go. Faith is believing before seeing. Thank the Lord each day for healing Jonah and keeping him pain free. He is good.
Much love, Carlee
I know that you said you are wanting an instant miracle, but I must share with you a miracle that I have had the pleasure of witnessing in our church family. A young girl named Sequoyah was traveling home from a bible study at the beginning of summer and was in a terrible car accident. She was taken to UT hospital and give no hope to live. Her parents and friends "now known at the hospital as the Green Team" prayed daily for her. Our church had a special prayer begging God to heal her each week. Last Sunday, she walked onto the stage of our church during a celebration service!!! Even the doctors and nurses say she is a miracle because there is no other explanation for her healing. I am so thankful for her family being transparent during those 10 weeks because I too often feel like miracles do not happen, but watching her story unfold is a true description of a miracle. Thank you God for choosing to heal Sequoyah!!
I pray many times a day for Jonah to be healed & I believe in my heart he will be. It may be today & it maybe 20 years from now, but I will continue to pray for Jonah to be healed & for God's greater miracle to be seen through Jonah's life & the lives of you & Matt.
Some of God's smaller miracles have already been shown through Jonah & Gabe. I believe that Gabe came into this world to prepare you for Jonah. Gabe left this world to go to Heaven to sit in the arms of Jesus & be there to plead for mercy & grace for you, Matt & Jonah.
Jonah is a MIRACLE! He is growing, laughing, cooing, smiling, doing wonderful things to bring joy to you, Matt and the rest of his family.
Jonah is a MIRACLE the way his life & this blog have brought many, many people closer to God. I can speak for myself, my prayer life & walk with God has dramatically changed since 2/27/09.
It is not selfish to pray for & expect God to heal Jonah. That is what mamas & people that love you do. That is what the children of God do, pray & ask for MIRACLES. It is ok to question why bad things happen to good people, God expects that & HE understands that we are human.
There is a hymn I love called "Victory in Jesus" & the 2nd verse is:
I heard about His healing, of HIs cleansing power revealing, How He made the lame to walk again and caused the blind to see. And then I cried, "Dear Jesus, come and heal my broken spirit." And somehow Jesus came and brought to me the victory.
O victory in Jesus, my Savior, forever! He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood. He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him. He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.
This tells me that miracles still happens, every time a soul is saved that is a MIRACLE.
None of this makes your life any easier, your heart is weighed down by grief, fear of the unknown, & the daily burdens in this world. It is hard to keep up the faith & spirit that lives in your heart, but remember there are 1000s praying for you, Matt, Jonah, remembering Gabe & loving all of you.
Life on this earth stinks a lot of the time, but in the end those of us that are saved will have the Victory in Jesus.
I know this has been long & I pray that you understand what I am trying to say..is I love you & your family. I pray for MIRACLES & I believe that GOD hears all of our prayers & will answer them..In HIS time..Blessings & love
I don't know what to say. In a round about way, I'm in your shoes ... just different aspects. I pray for complete healing for my five speical needs kids. But, I know they were fearfully and wonderfully created and knitted together by Him. He chose to have them be born this way. After eyars of praying, I'm beginning to pray for their strength and to have unusually miraculous methods of dealing with their physical differences. And may their special need glorify Him and it all not stand in the way of their future on earth and draw them closer to Him. It took me a long time to actually say "Your Will Lord" because I had fear of what His will was. Now, my prayer about His will is that God will give me the strength to accept and endure what His will is when it may not line up with what I want for them. I ask God to change my heart so my desires line up with His desires for their lives. Does any of this make sense? I have been praying for healing for Jonah and for you. A parent also has to heal through the process of having a special needs child.
I know it is hard to ask for God's will to be done, as it often differs from our own desires. Miracles are difficult to sometimes understand. I will pray for complete healing as well, hang in there sweetie!
I found Jonah a scripture I thought you would love. Psalm 22:10. God bless. =)
I believe miracles still happen! Just look at Baby Stellan. He's a miracle in himself.
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).
"My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways" says the Lord (Isaiah 55:8).
There is every possible chance you will get your miracle, but it will be in God's timing and not ours. That's the hard part.
Still praying for you in Eden,NC.
I believe with all that is in me he does miracles still! He has to Patrice--I had my son seven years ago and then experienced many miscarriages, we went to Guatemala and adopted two beautiful children. I am now pregnant out of the clear blue sky! I did not even know I could still get pregnant! And do you know my due date is THE DAY I GOT SAVED!!!!! --I am sorry I went on and on about me but I wanted to share I know he is still doing miracles :)
You are awesome and I adore you and your love for our Jesus!!
Somehow I missed this when you posted it. It is not selfish to pray for a miracle. And as a mom, often times I could not pray for a miracle for FigNewTon because I was scared that I would lose my grip on God if He didn't answer my way and she died. Then last spring, I realized that I don't have a grip on God, but He has a grip on me. Nothing could take that away. It was a month after that realization that she was healed. And yet, it was only a few months ago that I really understood and believed that God did a miracle. By all medical expectations, my baby girl should be in heaven. His will and His actions are not dependent on us. Pray. And let Him hold you when you are scared and hurting. But keep praying. Even when the pain is so great that there are not words. Pray. He hears you. And He will answer. But it is not for us to understand why. Just to trust that His ways, means, and end are far better than what we could imagine. God is good. And He is faithful. He will complete the work He started. He will work all of these hard things out for good in the end. His love is limitless and unchanging. He knows the plans He has for you and Jonah, plans for good and not for evil, plans for a hope and a future. Keep asking. Like the widow in the gospels who finally got what she was asking for because the judge knew she would keep coming back. Keep asking.
Patrice,
I believe we can ask our heavenly father for ANYTHING . . . no matter what our request is, he CARES about it. Sometimes I battle with HOW to pray about a situation, a need, a want . . . I am right there with you about feeling selfish about some of my prayers. I too have a son (grown now) who I've asked God for healing time and time again. Yet, I pray for God's will to be done. You know? I really am confused at times. I suppose my IDEA of healing and God's PLAN for healing are two different things. Regardless, WE SHOULD NEVER STOP ASKING FOR MIRACLES. I believe COMPLETELY that HE still perform miracles today just as he did in Biblical times. So keep praying for your miracle my friend and I will too.
Continuing to Pray in the Spirit of Love,
Sandy in King
Hi,
You don't know me, I've never commented, but I often read your blog. I'm from Holland (Europe).
I've been very ill for 5 years, it completely directed my life. No energy, not being able to walk or cycle more than 15 minutes, not being able to finish college or take care of a baby (the weight would be to heavy)
I was prayed for many times, and the doctors had no cure or clue what was wrong with me.
In those 5 years I often wondered why God didn't heal me. I had faith, I could use a miracle etc. But he didn't heal me, so far. So I had to go through a lot of pains, trouble, depression, worries etc. I had to start believing that even if I couldn't DO anything, God had put me on this planet for a reason. That he still had a perpose, that I was worth it. That took a long time!!
So what happened next? Half a year ago, God healed me completely!! I can do anything again, I'm a normal healthy person and even pregnant with our first child. God changed so much in an instant.
Those five years have shaped me into the person I am now, and made me trust on God completely. I'm so much stronger now, than before that period. The struggles have been good to me actually. But I can't thank Him enough that he healed me:)
So for Jonah, please keep praying for his miracle! God CAN still do those miracles! Also know that it's the most important thing to get a good relationship with God and to become a strong person, no matter what your problem is.
Be blessed!
Believe in Miracles! They are for today for now! For Jonah! God is the same yesterday, today, and forever! I've seen miracles! God is good and faithful and I know He is excited to give you your miracle! Never give up, never lose heart, keep trusting Him! I am praying with you for Jonah's miracle!
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