Tonight I come to you with some sad news: a friend of mine, whom I worked with about a decade ago, was diagnosed with colon cancer today. He will undergo testing later this week and will form a game plan at that time. Please agree with me in prayer for his complete healing.
Father, you know the condition of our hearts, minds and bodies. When we're sick, we need the great healer to make us well. Please supernaturally work to achieve your will in my friends' life. Touch him and heal him, if it be your will, Father. Please make his life a living testimony of your grace, power and kindness. Amen.
As I was walking home this evening, I caught sight (and sound!) of a car which pulled up to the intersection I was quickly approaching. The light turned, but not before I got a decent look at the glorious, menacing machine. It was a mid-1960's black Shelby Cobra in all its glory. My heart twisted within my chest, as this was my ultimate dream car and someone else was having a blast driving it. I wasn't that I was being covetous. No, the pain came from the fact that I can no longer drive an automobile in Oregon, let alone THAT kind of car.
This isn't news. Those who know me well already know the story behind my eyesight. For most of life's activities, I've been able to adapt, overcome and participate. However, it hurts when you're reminded of things you can't do (especially when so many people take their own abilities for granted).
After the Cobra and I parted ways, a story promptly came through my headphones, relating to the eyesight of the man whom hosts the Daily Audio Bible podcast. Brian Hardin (the voice behind the daily reading) suffers from a rare eye disease which limits his ability to see clearly. Often, his vision is kept functional by means of customized, rigid contact lenses which scale his damaged corneas. These special lenses must be carefully tailored to his eyes and often require painful adjustment periods, when a new prescription is issued. Regardless of his condition, Brian never complains, talks about the issue or feels self-sorrow. He simply dives in to the Bible each day, rain or shine, in sickness and health, in the US or abroad. He doesn't make excuses, he simply spreads the Gospel. What an amazing man of God.
It was no coincidence that the reading I listened to included Acts 9. The portion of scripture where Saul (later to become Paul) was blinded while on the Damascus Road, only to be miraculously healed a few days later took hold of my spirit. At the end of the podcast, Brian's wife Jill paralleled Brian's story with Saul's. They too, are praying for complete healing of eyesight. This hope and dream resonated with me too.
Acts 9:11-19 (New International Version)
11The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight."
13"Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name."
15But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."
17Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Good Night
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