Darlene Rose

Yesterday I went to the ER; I had double vision – but not side by side vision.  It was rather one image stacked on top of its identical image; top on bottom.  In addition, I was feeling disoriented and confused.

When I arrived at the hospital, they took my blood pressure.  201/117.  I don’t have high blood pressure normally.  I’m not on medication.  So it was being ruled out as a stroke.

I got on facebook about 2:45 to ask for prayer for my symptoms and about 3:15 my vision started returning to normal and blood pressure was going down.  My cat scan was very clear.  In fact it was perfect.   The doctor came in and said he was somewhat confused because my symptoms were of someone who had previous heart disease or was having a stroke, but the tests indicated differently.

What was it?

I knew that I could pray but I also knew that if I asked the body of Christ to pray for me, they would be mobilized against this attack and I could rest.  And, rest I did.  I slept for a few hours afterwards and was released to go home about 6:30 last night.

Answer to prayer.  Not just prayer but the prayer of faith.  Now listen, I have faith in God, but I also know He chooses to work through His people.  I had faith that God would work through them on my behalf so I could get some rest.  He answered me, but He answered them.  I am not a lone stranger on this journey here.  We need each other.

Without answered prayer, we are nothing but wishers and rely-ers on luck.  We are like those who have no hope.  I was not afraid in the ER, in fact, I was thanking the Lord for needed rest and helping me to fast (I didn’t have a thing to eat until 7 pm – having had nothing but a half cup of coffee in about 22 hours).  I was also feeling a little inconvenienced by these symptoms because I had plans for the day but it is wise to have stroke or heart symptoms checked with urgency.

My brothers and sisters moved on my behalf.  THAT in and of itself was amazing but that within 30 minutes of the asking, my symptoms started returning to normal.  GOD was on the scene.  GOD had answered my prayer.

So, some might ask, if God is so great, why didn’t He just stop those symptoms from happening in the first place?   Well, He could have.  I have gotten past trying to figure Him out and control how He should do things.

I do know that if He kept me from these symptoms, I would have no reason to reach out to the body for prayer and FIND HIM IN THE MIDST and wouldn’t find the greater thing.

God answers!  If we have no need, He has nothing to answer.

I woke up this morning feeling wonderfully refreshed.  I was thinking about how loved I am and how this love that is poured out on us is more powerful than the most brilliant sermon.  Love, poured out from God via imperfect people.

God ANSWERS us.  God RESPONDS to faith. Without that, we are just like those who have no hope.