Make the Call

 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-8

Our theme this season is prayer. I am looking forward to learning and growing in this spiritual grace. It is a subject of critical significance. Our communication and connection to God is oft expressed as prayer. It is expected and even commanded of us.

I have seen so many answers to prayer. Some were specifically what I prayed for, some were unexpected, yet met the need of my heart in ways I had not imagined, and sometimes the answer was wait, or not yet, or that would not be good for you. Sometimes He had a better plan and did the things that were right for me and things that brought Him glory.

There are times when I just don’t know how to pray. I cannot see the solution. I cannot fully comprehend all that is involved. I am at a loss. Charles Spurgeon says we should pray for prayer—pray until you can pray. Recently I had this sort of experience.

A life-long friend had multiple medical issues and was in ICU. Family and doctors were confronted with tough and trying decisions. What was the best course of treatment? How aggressive should that treatment be? Were they doing more harm than good? The wife was torn betwixt the options and feeling frustrated. She felt the daunting responsibility of these decisions. Was she doing the right thing?

As I was praying for them, I made my case before the Lord. I had seen God restore my friend from similar maladies in the past. He had made a full recovery and had been enjoying life with his family. Yes, I would love to see God restore him again. That was my hope and thus I prayed.

Still, I knew that he might never be the same again and what would life look like for him then?There was so much we did not know or understand.  I wanted only his good. I wanted peace and assurance for his wife and family with no regrets over decisions made. So I simply asked that God would make the call, that the decision would be His. That it would be made plain and clear, that all doubting and debating would be finished. Knowing all things and understanding the best possible outcome, make the call according to His good and perfect will in this situation. My friend died that night.

The wife and family called with the news saying what incredible peace they had and that they knew this was for the best. They spoke of last moments with their loved one and how they were comforted that he was now whole and more alive than he had ever been. Suffering had ended. The threat of making things worse was over. Yes, they were heartbroken, but they acknowledged God’s good and perfect will.

We can trust Him when we don’t understand. We can believe His good intentions toward us. We can come with our confusion, fear, and frustration and lay it all at His feet. Let Him make the call.

 Father, Your wisdom overrides what we think we know. In every situation we will trust You to do what needs to be done in Your own way and Your own time. You are always for us.  Amen.