Weak and Frail vs Powerful and Effective

Read: James 5:13-20

My parents were married on March 13, 1942 when my Dad was drafted into the armed services during World War II, he was age 20 and my Mom was 17.  These two did life together, the ups and downs, through thick and thin for 71 years.  They truly became one flesh. 

In October of 2017, my Mother drew her last breath at the age of 91.  She had survived 3 long years after the death of my Dad. 

The last 3 years of her life was like watching half a person trying to live.  I would talk to her nearly every day on the phone.  She would often tell me all about her aches and pains, her loneliness and how much she missed my Dad. 

She would say, “I keep praying that God will take me home!  I’m not sure why He isn’t listening and why I am still here.”  She prayed earnestly, sometimes desperately, feeling like all hope was gone.  Sometimes she would even doubt if God still wanted her. 

I would respond, “God still has you here for a reason.  We don’t always know what those reasons are.  Maybe it is something He needs to show us, your children.”   

I prayed for her.  My siblings were all praying for her.  When her pastor would come visit, she would say, “You know how I want you to pray.” And he would pray for her too!

God finally granted her prayer that morning in October of 2017 when He peacefully took her home.  This weak, frail woman stricken with diabetes, failing eyesight, painful arthritis, swelling legs, a failing mind and a lonely heart finally fell into the arms of Jesus at last.  

As frail as she was, my Mom's prayers and our prayers were POWERFUL and EFFECTIVE!! Despite her occasional doubts, Jesus dressed her in His robe of righteousness that was bought with His innocent blood.

This past week, my oldest sister, Gail, has been caring for a friend who is critically ill.  While Gail was comforting her friend’s daughter, many of the compassionate words Gail shared with her had come straight from experiencing my Mom's struggles the last few years of her life.  God is so good!!  He is even still, after her death, answering my Mom’s underlying prayer of why!  He was indeed teaching us, her children, things that would comfort others.

Dear Lord Jesus, when I feel weak and frail, help me not be too proud or ashamed to reach out and ask for help.  Help me see that You are supplying all I need even when I am desperately feeling lonely, lost and without hope.  Help me reach out to those around me who can also pray for me.  And give me the confident hope that You WILL powerfully and effectively answer my prayers far beyond all I can ask or imagine.