7 minute read
The Power of Prayer
THE POWER OF PRAYER AND PRAISE:
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By Claudene Sebolai
“But at midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. SUDDENLY there was an earthquake so that the foundations of the prison were shaken, and IMMEDIATELY ALL the doors were opened and EVERYONE’s chains were loosed.” (Acts 16:25-26).
It is no secret; the world has been turned upside down by COVID-19. Whereas some have been fortunate to keep their incomes, others had to suffer salary cuts, job losses, death etc. I cannot begin to imagine the fear and anxiety to one day be in control of your life, and the next day, the rug is pulled from underneath you. What would life be like post this pandemic? Can anyone clearly define the “new normal”? How do we navigate these feelings of uncertainty, depression, stress, anger, fear, etc? Although we haven’t stopped believing, we sure have felt the full force of the shaking and sifting accompanied by Corona.
I am reminded of the story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16. On their way to prayer meeting, they ended up in prison. Not to mention the reason for their imprisonment was because they delivered a lady who was not only possessed by a demon but was exploited by business owners to make money for them. This poor woman’s body was used and abused, and it seemed like no one cared about her well-being. God, through Paul, set this woman free from what was bounding her daily, and as a result, these scrupulous business owners could no longer capitalise through her situation. Talk about bad things happening to good people for no apparent reason.
Paul and Silas’ response to their dilemma is very encouraging. Instead of having a pity party in jail, they decided to have a prayer meeting right there. Beaten up, bound up, and locked up, but that could not stop them from lifting their hearts and voices in prayer and praise to God. They did not allow their problems to have power over their prayer life, but they accessed the power of prayer in their situation. It is Paul who wrote to the Romans, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Rom 8: 18). Also, “in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Rom 8: 37). Thus, they did not pray and praise for the doors to open and the chains to break. They praised because they were satisfied with God. Imprisoned, yet satisfied! In chains, yet satisfied! Their praise was aimed at God. Consequently, God came into the prison to inhabit their praise. The result of God’s visitation was broken chains and open doors.
This same attitude can be seen in the prophet Habakkuk when he exclaims, “Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fails, and the field yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls YET I will rejoice in the Lord, I will take joy in the God of my salvation!” I will pray and praise in spite of affliction! Our prayers and praise should therefore not be aimed at our challenges and problems. Our affection should be directed toward our omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient God.
You may have lost a lot during this time; you may feel the full brunt of this pandemic. You may deal with some serious mental health issues. Be assured; you are not alone. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Turn your eyes upon Jesus!
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MY THROUGH COVID
By Rochelle Walduck
AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR
On Monday, 3rd August 2020 I started showing flu-like symptoms. A few days before that my husband also felt fluish. He is a frontline worker and we knew that he was at great risk of contracting the virus. We both tested positive and decided to send our kids away so that we could quarantine. This was a lot to process. I remember lying in bed when I received my results, I was freezing. Fear came in my mind. Death knocked at my heart’s door. A lot went through my mind. I was scared.
Since I have no comorbidities I always thought that I won’t contract the virus, plus I am my Fathers’ child. Psalm 91 is my portion. Then the symptoms developed. Pressure, flu headaches, chest pains, fever, shortage of breath, tiredness, coughing, and sore throat. This I experienced in the first week of contracting the virus. In the same week, I lost my sense of smell and taste.
THE TRUTH ABOUT ISOLATION
Isolation was not easy; I was without my children for three weeks. Although I quarantined with my husband, it was still a cold, emotional, and lonely journey. To witness the other one suffering, feeling so helpless was the worst. Our mission was to survive. We took our meds. When the one was weaker the other one would try to help. There were days I could not get out of bed and nights when I was afraid to go to bed. What if I do not see another day? The shortness of breath and pain in my chest kept me awake many nights.
During the second week, I fell very ill. I was unable to sleep due to tight chest and body aches. One evening at 2:30am I ran out of the room because I could hardly breathe. I ran outside just to see if I can force fresh air down my airways. Nothing! I was rushed to the hospital and after being
admitted I passed out. I can’t remember anything that happened in-between or how long I was there. I remember waking up to the sound of machines and covered with a silver thermostat blanket. I thought I was dead.
The sound of the machines and other COVID patients moaning and groaning of pain is edged into my memory. The sight of people fighting for their lives was terrifying. As the hours passed, I started feeling better. I called to God and asked him to breathe into my lungs. I confessed that I will not die but live. I believed that I will be released from the hospital, as a living testimony. As the doctors checked my vitals they said it was stable and that I could be released. I knew right there and then that it was the Lord’s doing!
IS ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR GOD?
I slowly started my recovery process, there were good and bad days. I constantly declared the word of God over myself and my family and refused to allow fear to enter my mind. My experience with COVID-19 was humbling. Most importantly, it brought me closer to God, the one who knows the beginning and the end. The one who is supreme overall. The one who heals and does a complete work. Death where is your sting? Grave, where is your victory?
The support of our family and friends quickened the recovery process. We can only thank God for carrying us through this terrifying situation. It is His grace, His protection, His plan, His purpose, His breath in our lungs. Victory is found in Him alone! Lance is fully recovered and I am well on my way to full recovery.
Live, love and walk in forgiveness. Death is unpredictable and tomorrow is never promised. Draw closer to God and trust Him!
TRAINING CHILDREN IN THE WAY THEY SHOULD GO
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