The Prayer of Faith

    Since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, human life has been a terminal condition. We know that no one lives forever but it is easy to ignore the fact, especially when we are young. As the years roll along and we age, we think about it once in awhile that our time on earth is rushing by. But life continues as usual and we go along without dwelling on the possibility that we are living our last days. Of course, there could be an accident or something that brings life to an abrupt halt but there are no dark clouds looming on the horizon. We had some things in order in case something happened but saw no dangers of life ending any time soon.

    That's how we were living until Easter this year. When Leroy admitted he was having some chest pains, he saw his cardiologist who ordered a cauterization. He had three stents put in three years ago and we thought he probably needs more stents. The cauterization showed stents would not help and he needed open heart bypass surgery. With the condition of his clogged arteries, he was in danger of having a heart attack at any time. Suddenly we were staring the possibility of death without a moment's notice. What would I do if I was left alone?

    Leroy was scheduled for surgery on May 21. We prepared with an anointing service on May 18. It was a solemn service as all the ministry laid hands on him and prayed for healing and peace of mind. I had peace of mind as well and felt confident he would survive.

   Surgery had to be postponed two days due to a tangle with the insurance. We left for the hospital at 6 a.m. on Friday, May 23. Our son and another son's wife sat with me in the waiting room until the surgery was completed. Leroy was taken directly from the OR to the ICU where he was for two days. He doesn't remember much of those days.

    He spent four more days in a private room and came home on May 28. Then we tackled the hard part of doing therapy to get him going again. He cooperated and responded well. Our children took turns being with us,. The first two days someone was here around the clock. Then we were alone at night and soon I was able to help him and take him on walks myself. 

   Twelve days after surgery, he was back to making his own breakfast and able to walk one-third of a mile. His rapid recovery exceeded our expectations. He has not regained his full strength but the visiting nurse who comes to the house said she was amazed how well he is doing in such a short time. The physical therapist came, did an evaluation, said you don't need me, and discharged him. In a few more weeks he should be back to normal.

    Leroy had a good doctor and nurses. He did his therapy faithfully. But the credit for his rapid healing goes to God and is an answer to prayer. To God be the glory!

   "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick." James 5:14-15a