Today, I learned that a friend was in need of prayers and healing. I felt helpless to offer any words of comfort. My mind quickly turned to prayer and I asked God to provide her with healing and comfort, but outwardly I was unable to offer the encouragement and comfort that she needed. I wanted to do so much more.
Tonight the Bible opened here:
At once [Jesus] spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”
After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed.
Matthew 14: 27-36
I have faith that my friend will be healed. I believe God has great plans for her. I am certain of it. Indeed it was her faith, and kindness and love that brought me back to the church and to God in a much more meaningful way.
Tonight I pray that she knows that Jesus is holding his hand out to her. He is holding her and will get her through the temporary struggles that she is facing.
Dear Lord,
Please help all those who are struggling with health issues. Give them the faith and courage to know that you are there, that they are safe, and that all of these struggles are temporary.
Thank you for sending my friend to me. She has been such a reflection of you in my life, help me to be that to her. Help her to know how loved she is. Please heal her body and strengthen her spirit.
Sufficient Grace 
Patty, you said it yourself, your friend was in need of prayers and healing. Your mind quickly turned to prayer and asked God to give her just what you knew she needed. You did the best thing for her! There wasn’t anything more you could do! As far as outwardly – well, I don’t know where you were when you heard her news – in the grocery store, in the parish parking lot, or at home on the phone? What could you have done “outwardly”? Should you have started raising and waving your hands around and shouting out praises to God? Should you have gathered more and ask others to join you in laying hands on her and praying out loud? Should you have rushed her to the hospital and demand immediate treatment? Should you have diagnosed and treated her yourself? Maybe you could have done one of those! But do you really think that’s what she would have wanted? I think you know as well as I do, and your friend does, is that praying for her is the most powerful thing you could have done for her! Don’t doubt the guidance Jesus gave you to pray. If you’re still gung-ho on being more outward – maybe next time you can drive her out to East Fork Lake and invite her to walk on the water with you. And even if you didn’t tell her you were praying for her – she knows. You are a good friend Patty!
Dear Lord,
Please help Patty’s friend with what ever kind of battle she is going through. Help her to feel the love you have for her through Patty and the rest of her friends and family. To feel the comfort and support she needs to get through quickly so she can continue on to whatever it is you have in store for her. As you always do, please use this “bad” thing in her life for something good that outweighs the struggles she is facing. And Lord, please comfort and bring peace to my friend Patty so that she knows she is not lacking in any way, all that she is called to do for her friends. Thank you Lord, for Patty’s friend who guided her back to You, and then into our lives!
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I am truly humbled by your gifts and how boldly you are proclaiming His message. Your e-mail really touched me as I prepared for surgery and has been on my mind. I have been trying to hear what He has to say to me during this slow period of my life and make something meaningful of it all. You have re-kindled my spirit to hear him through the bible and pulling it out tonight. I am confident he has my health, but now more confident that he has plans for me that I need to find. You are a blessing and I thank you for allowing Him to use you. I wish you much success with your ministry! Your off to a great start.
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