Mom's therapy started officially today. The therapist had Mom take her on a tour of the house. Then took her outside and had her get in and out of the vehicle a couple of times. She was thoroughly worn out by the time the therapist left.
She is experiencing some itching, we believe it is a reaction to the codeine in her pain reliever, so tonight we are going to try pain reliever without the codeine and see how she does.
I received the following from a dear friend, Wendy Nelson. It spoke to me and with her permission I share it with in hopes that God will use it to bless and encourage you.
I want to share that I am so glad that God gave us friends who will struggle with us in prayer. Since you brought up the “armor of God”, I’d like to share an insight that is a bit Biblical and historical, but which a number of people don’t know.
In the New Testament, Brother Paul certainly understood the power of our words to God in prayer. He wrote: "I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me" (Romans 15:30). "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should" (Ephesians 6: 18-20).
The New Testament was originally written in Greek and sometimes looking at the original definitions of the words gives us great insight. The Greek word Paul uses for struggle in Romans 15:30 issunagonizomai, which means "to struggle in company of; i.e., to be a partner (assistant), strive together with." The root word means "to endeavor to accomplish something: fight, labor fervently, strive," for example, to compete for a prize or to contend with an adversary.
Much of the soldiers’ ancient armor had brackets attached to the sides. These brackets were a type of latch that soldiers could use to lock armors during battle. When the armors were locked together, the soldiers moved as one force, forming a barricade against the enemy. Alone, the shield was a small defense. Together they formed a human wall. Do you see the significance? When we lock arms in prayer with others, we are locking our shields together and forming a powerfully strong fortress of defense!
Prayer for another person is not simply a pat on the back. When we tell someone that we will pray for them, we are agreeing to put on the armor and head to the front lines of battle on their behalf. To all the Steffesfamily, thank you for asking me to be part of your prayer army. I can only be with you in spirit, but I promise to be faithful and pray for you, your family, and your medical team.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us friends in God to pray for us and with us.
Thank you that you call Your people to join as mighty prayer warriors with shields linked together, marching into battle as one unified force. Thank you for Your promise in Psalm 32:8 “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Thank you for answering our prayers and arranging for that particular surgical nurse to encourage our sister, Nell. What a powerful testimony that woman shares with the world. Continue to bless Nell and her family as they openly glorify You and illuminate how You have supported them physically, emotionally and spiritually. Help us to walk in obedience to Your Word. Help us to trust Your plan and Your goodness.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen
WendySIC,
No comments:
Post a Comment