This past Sunday was Easter and oh, what a glorious day of celebration for God's children! This day represents the miracle of our Lord's resurrection into eternal glory and thus illustrates the promise of salvation for each of us. ---- Hallelujah!!
I and my wife, along with her brother and his wife, attended a church where they celebrated Christ's resurrection through drama and song. What a joy it was to be reminded of this true miracle. - Anyone who saw this presentation could not have been left untouched by the power of that displayed moment in time which took place some two thousand years ago.
After arriving home that evening, we had a message on our phone telling us that the worship pastor of a local church we had previously attended had suffered a massive stroke right before services were to begin that morning.
What?! - How could this be?! This guy is strong and vibrant and only fifty three years old!! Stunned, I called his pastor and he informed me that the prognosis was dire. Truth was, they really didn't expect him to live.
Again, I was in a state of shock. I'd served with this man of God on his worship team for a period of time and knew him to be totally committed to his ministry.
The next morning I went to the hospital and what I encountered was nothing short of incredible. People were singing and praying and contending for a miracle. When I spoke with his wife, I witnessed an example of faith that I wish I could package and send out to this fallen world. It was simply unwavering with an assurance of victory in this time of trepidation.
What I also saw was not just one church body, but several coming together in a common cause to support this assurance of victory. -- Plainly said, this was an example of the "Acts 2" church on display. Anyone who encountered the Body of Christ this day would come away knowing that something special was taking place -- faith and strength abounded!
After a short time, his pastor and I snuck away for a quick cup of coffee. -- He told me that at the beginning, there was virtually no hope -- that these types of physical events were almost always fatal. -- Then he told me of a gentleman who showed up and asked to pray and lay hands on this fallen soldier. -- With permission, he did so. Pastor said he spent five to six minutes praying, then turned and smiled, and stated that this warrior would walk out of this place. -- He then left and no one had seen him since. -- WOW!!
Needless to say, this worship pastor's condition is improving !! -- As of the update last night on his condition, he is conscious and recognizing family and friends, and has movement in all parts of his body. To quote a line from the update, "We are witnessing an incredible miracle! Keep praying!"
Psalm 77:14 says, "You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples." -- I wish every person who has any doubt about our Lord and savior could witness this miracle that is taking place. Seeing this display of church unity and the pure power of prayer is life-changing.
Matthew 11:24 states, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." -- When I witnessed the strength of his wife and kids in their time of need, this scripture was their mantle. -- They seemed to just know the outcome and wouldn't consider the alternative. -- It was clear that the enemy would be defeated this day!
For a guy that has regularly criticized the modern church for its weakened condition and powerless state, this experience was a renewing hope of what our church can be. There are the life-changing examples that can still be experienced in today's world. -- What I saw this day was what I believe God intended the church to be. -- This is pure proof that we cannot give up on each other and our gathering together.
This is the true example of the "Light in the Darkness" that will change lives forever.
Until next time,
Red