Prayers for JR

It was a little after 1:00am and the neighbor below me was hitting the walls as hard as she could to disrupt my sleep. An evil routine she started doing months earlier. I tried to work things out with her but she was convinced to make life miserable for my husband and I. The Lord had been revealing to me that there is “no rest for the wicked (Isaiah 48:22)”… I would eventually learn just how wicked she truly is. The banging continued every hour until 6:00am and by the next day we were planning our move out. Little did I know, the very weekend we moved into our temporary location (i.e. my parents house), would be life changing as well. My parents were both dealing with what they thought was a common cold. A few days later my stepdad tested positive for COVID. Two days later he was being rushed to the emergency room by paramedics. He remains in ICU to this day fighting for his life. Me and my husband along with my mom tested positive as well, thankfully our symptoms have been mild. The last couple weeks have been challenging to say the least. From moving out, to getting the virus, and now my stepdad being in critical condition. I earnestly pray God let’s him come home. I miss his gentle smile, the one that always demanded the least amount of attention. My husband reminds me of when he heard him laughing while he was watching Micky Mouse. That’s my stepdad to a T; a kid at heart. The ultimate peacemaker in our family. While the outcome remains uncertain, we continue to pray for Gods ultimate healing knowing that He remains sovereign and in full control. The Lord continues to whisper to my heart every single day, “trust Me”. The same two words I heard Him say while I was holding my Bible against my chest in bed praying and crying as that evil woman continued banging all around me. In the midst of the chaos God whispered gently to my heart, “trust Me”. The noise didn’t stop and neither did my faith. I truly believe God could stop it at anytime but since He was allowing it, I needed to keep trusting Him. Looking back now, that awful situation caused me to be here with my family at a time that we would need each other the most. While things have been difficult, I can still see Gods goodness all around. From the generosity of so many people who contributed and continue to contribute financially to my stepdads medical expenses, to the many beautiful texts and calls of concern, and in the mass amount of prayer requests being offered up. God does not promise that everything will be easy, He does promise however to be with us. He never leaves us, never forsakes us. He is our constant rock to which we can stand and the very rock we can also fall down on. Trusting Him in the uncertainty of life, that is the key to our faith. I wish I could tell you there won’t be road blocks ahead or that everyday with Jesus is sunshine and rainbows, but that wouldn’t be telling you the truth. The Bible tells us we will face trials and tribulations but to be strong as HE has already overcome (John 16:33) and that HIS strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). This is the hope I’m holding on too, this is my comfort and my peace. So let me encourage you that no matter what you’re facing, trust Him. Remember the promises He made and let those promises be the very hope you breathe in and breathe out. Even when the noise continues, or when a loved one remains in ICU… yes, even then we can trust Him! His plan is still good, keep going sweet friend.

// prayer //

Father, I lift up JR to You. Please heal Him like only You can. Please remove all the infection in his lungs and bring complete healing to every part of him. Continue to give the medical staff the wisdom they need and bless them Lord for the service they provide every single day. Thank You for giving me an amazing stepdad. Let him see the fruit he planted, let him open his eyes and see it Lord. Father please comfort all who have lost their loved ones due to this virus, please hold them close. Touch hearts to be mindful of those hurting because of this sickness, just as my family is hurting today. Give us hearts of compassion one for another and put our eyes back on You. You alone promised to fight our battles, we need only be still. You are greater than any disease, any sickness, any heartache we face. You promised to handle the wicked, You will right every wrong. Increase our faith and cleanse us in the washing of Your Word. Oh Creator of heaven and earth, I put my trust in You. You are working everything together for my good, You sustain and hold me with Your righteous right hand. Thank You for Your goodness that never ceases, never changes, never fades away. Even in the chaos, even in the unknown, You are in control and I put my hope and my trust in You. Glorify Yourself, be lifted high in this situation with JR. Let this be a testimony that wins even more souls for Your Kingdom. Asking all of this in the name that is above every name, In Jesus name, Amen.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
-Isaiah 41:10

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
-John 16:33

https://www.gofundme.com/f/fundraiser-for-jrs-medical-care-needs