The Faith of a Family

There are times in life and ministry when you catch glimpses of the ways the Spirit of God moves from one faithful generation in a family to the next. Today I got to witness that on the web.

Let me explain. We have a family at LOCC who had their first child in November. Since that time, she has been in and out of the hospital (in more than out!) Yesterday, in light of some health problems she had on Easter, I sent an email and phonetree message to our church family, asking them to pray for the family and, if possible, to put a note of encouragement on her website Care Page. When I went to look at the comments this morning, I was encouraged by the response.

But then I saw these three. Three members of this family posted not comments, but beautiful prayers on the families behalf.

Loving God, we continue to lift Shelby Grace up to You, her Creator. Today, in a very special way we remember her as she is struggling to fight off an infection. Lord, we reflect on your promises today and always as we request healing for little Shelby. I pray with all my heart Dear God, that Sam and Lori will feel You sitting right beside them, holding them and loving them. This family has been through so much Lord, and we know you care about them more than we can imagine. Thank you God for hearing our prayers and for providing love, peace, healing and hope.
It is in Jesus name that I pray.
Daughter

At this time, when it can be so emotionally difficult for you to even utter a prayer.....our prayer is that you feel the earnest petitions, requests and prayers being lifted on behalf of precious Shelby, and for both of you as her very loving, concerned parents. May you feel God's loving arms around you during this time. May you feel his presence, and comfort and experience peace that comes only from our Lord and Creator. Knowing how you love and care for Shelby....know, too, that God cares for you even more. We pray fervently for Shelby's healing and that her body may be made healthy and whole. We pray for the health and strength of both of you, as well.

With much love, we send these thoughts and prayers,
Mother

Father hear our pleas; hear our cries. We lift Shelby up to you and pray for the healing of her little body. Wrap your arms of comfort around Sam & Lori and fill them with your Spirit to provide them with a peace that only you can provide.

Your servant,
Father

Beautiful, stirring words of faith and hope. You could sense both the passion and the deep faith of the family, simply be reading their prayers. The Spirit of God does move from one generation to the next, for God is a God whose hesed or steadfast, covenant love remains with those who are faithful.

It is a blessing to be able to serve families like that!