A rather burning request for prayer.
Okay, so how to be as succinct as possible without skipping necessary information.
My Godfather Russel has been battling arthritis for 25 years now, having had replacement surgery for artificial hips and other parts of his pelvic region. Such was the severity of his condition that it has long since left him with a crooked walk, reduced strength in his legs and the need for regular hospital appointments and medical aid. The recent months have also seen him battle an onset of cancer to which, when met with chemotherapy, he has been responding well…
Until today.
Today it was revealed that a sudden onslaught has increased the number of spots on his liver almost ten-fold, and so it was announced to him that he can expect to live for another 3 to 6 months.
The extremely aggressive last-ditch chemo attempt they are planning will, in all likelihood, have no effect, my father told me earlier as he broke the news.
There are further ramifications. You see, my Godfather also happens to be my parents employer, and it is quite probable that his passing will result in their unemployment. This however, is quite rightly the last thing my folks and I care about at this moment. What breaks our hearts more is a good question - is it the wife and 2 children, 16 and 18, that he will leave behind? That this Christmas could well be his last? Or is it that his parents, who are in ill health themselves will, at this rate, outlive their son? All of these are awful to even begin to contemplate.
News like this often leaves you suspended between not believing that it’s true and not wanting to believe it’s true. I have now had my time of tears over the matter, I accept that it’s very much a reality and now I find myself desperate to pursue the Lord with petition and prayer more than I ever have for anything.
So, I ask you to pray for peace over his family, friends and work associates. Over my family and I. For an abundant release of joy, strength and love to be brought into his unbelieving heart at a time when so many withdraw, distract and self-destruct. Pray for the God of all things to reveal Himself mightily through this trial. Pray for my father who, by his own admission, is now being led to question the extent of his own faith.
I am dwelling in a house of severe unrest and need, friends.
But here’s the thing; the one focus for your prayers that I urge you to cling to, even if you forget everything else I have said up to now…pray for this -
That God would loose the supernatural healing and revival over this broken life that I know not only is He perfectly capable of, but that I fully believe He will. That He will completely restore Russ so that next time he visits the hospital they cannot find a single trace of anything cancerous inside of him. Just imagine the rejoicing that will bring. No way am I laying this to rest and praying for a cosy exit when I can be on my hands and knees, every spare moment of my day if necessary, upholding this precious life before the God who has saved my life, as well as those of countless others in times of peril.
The same power that conquered the grave lives in you and I through our faith in Christ and the sheer, radiant grace of the Lord - ALL things are possible.
Let’s bring my Godfather before God THE Father.
Amen!
