I am so humbled by all the friends and family that have called to say they are praying for my Dad. I know of at least a dozen churches that have been praying for him, as well. There've been times when I was so tired, and Dad was so sick, that both of us thought we couldn't go on, but somehow we found strength. I believe it was then when someone, somewhere was praying for us.

So many times when people have asked what can they do to help and my reply is "Pray," they answer "Well, ok, but what else can I do?"  I thankful for acts of kindness, but I'm MORE thankful for people who understand that prayer is a gift of God. WIth prayer we speak to the Master, we participate in fulfilling His will, but we also thwart the schemes of the adversary. Prayer really does work! God designed it to!

In troubles, it's sobering to realize that our strength is so small.  While  a positive attitude is important, I am constantly bugged by all the media that declares that we have all the strength and resiliency  we ever need within ourselves.  Self confidence is paraded as the ultimate saving grace. This is especially noticeable in secular children's music, cartoons, shows, reading material, movies. We are constantly bombarded with the message that we are our own source of strength. It is humanism peddled cheaply for mass consumption. It denies our need of a Savior.

I need a Savior in Jesus Christ. And I need the prayers of my family--His saved people. And  [pardon the grammar--it's needed for flow of thought , here] we need to realize that God is our source of strength. Prayer is simultaneously  a weapon and a refuge.  To all those who have battled the enemy on behalf of my family in prayer, to those who've prayed shelter and protection over us, I offer my humble thanks.  And to the God of all comfort [2 Corinthians 1:3], words cannot express my deep love for You. One day I'll have all eternity to praise You in Your glorious presence! Thank You, thank You, Lord.