Monday, April 21, 2014

Prayer ... It Causes Miracles
The Prayer of Healing


My brother Forrest and I are extremely close and when he is not feeling well, it totally grips at my heart.  We call each other “Twin” because growing up everyone use to say we looked just alike and our souls are connected.  This past month Forrest has been in the hospital at some points he was in the ICU.  Needless to say, when he is in pain, my heart hurts immensely.

In looking back over my faith walk and understanding the power of prayer, one of my first instances of prayer that I saw God move was with Forrest.  Years ago, when Forrest lived in Miami he called me and said that he wasn’t feeling well with some desperation in his voice.  I will never forget that night, when I fell on my knees, with all of my faith and prayed to God to make my brother feel better.  The next morning I called him and he was singing to me and was in great spirits. That was my first real testimony in seeing God’s healing power through prayer.

Three weeks ago I received a call that said Forrest wasn’t doing well and was in the ICU.  My friend Lisa and I was at a board meeting together and we decided to hit the road to go and see Forrest.  For some reason that day my heart was so heavy and I couldn’t shake the feeling of possibly losing my brother.  It was all so clear to me of who he is in my life and the joy and sunshine that he brings to me and my family and the thought of losing him was like taking a piece of my heart.  Honestly, it was one of the moments where I was feeling desperate.  I’ll never forget Lisa said it will take us three hours to get there so by the time we get there, we are going to pray through this and we will rejoice because he is still here.   (Thank you Lisa for being by my side that day – it was truly a gift from God)! 

On our three hour journey we prayed, sang old time hymns, told stories and came to the conclusion that Forrest would be saying to me, “Get yourself together Dedra and come to visit me with a heart shining with the love of Christ.”  I rallied all of my prayer warriors (friends, family, bible study sisters, etc.) to join us on the battlefield because we had some work to do.   After our three hour drive, I got out of the car to visit my brother and the heaviness that was on my heart was lifted and God’s love and light was in full effect.  I walked into the hospital and the Holy Spirit was moving through me and I was on a mission to pray my brother back to health.  I remember walking into the room and seeing him at such a vulnerable state and knowing that prayer without ceasing was our only way through this. 

I prayed fervently over my brother that day, pleading that by Jesus’ stripes he is healed.  I moved my hands over his body from head to toe with the Holy Spirit leading me.  I prayed over the nurses, the doctors, visitors and the room itself.  Talking about faith building and life changing, that particular day is etched in my heart forever.    I learned that day, to never be desperate and to walk in peace knowing that God is in control.

Forrest has a wonderful story to tell and he believes that God is using his testimony to bring people closer to him.  I truly believe that you all will hear him tell his story one day.  His story encompasses how God works in your life and even when things may look bleak or sometimes hopeless in the eyes of man, because of Gods unconditional love for us he can change things for the good.   28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  Roman 8:28  

Forrest is a loving human being with a giving spirit and God is continuing to use him even while he is recovering in the hospital.  He told me the other day that God said to be his light in the hospital.  He has been praying over nurses and patients even while he continues to recover himself.  Here is what I know for sure, God can use you no matter where you are in your life.

Through this experience, my relationship with God has grown, my faith is stronger and my purpose is even clearer.  Most of all my love for my sisters and brothers is deeper.   Siblings Day was celebrated over a week ago and I was travelling and couldn’t give my “Daniel 5” their shout outs.  I love each and every one of my siblings … Angela, Corlessia, JD & Forrest with all of my heart and soul.  I have always said that I was blessed to be the youngest of this fabulous crew because I learned from the best.  I am truly blessed by each and every one of them.

Life is precious, love deeply, love with passion and always forgive one another and let God’s love shine.  Forrest is continuing his road of recovery, I humbly ask that you continue to lift my precious brother up in prayer!

With love,
Dedra

Monday, April 14, 2014