A Prayer of Faith

My dad had been diagnosed with cancer and his prognosis did not look hopeful. They had given him only months to maybe a year at the most.

One evening the dreaded phone call came, my dad was in the hospital and not doing well. In fact there was not any hope for him to live.

I quickly made arrangements to fly home to Phoenix. Some friends of the family greeted me soberly at the airport. On our drive to the hospital they tried to soften what I was about to see. When I entered the room of the hospital my dad was blown up twice his size. His gown had been cut to give his bloated body more room to expand. His skin was oozing liquid as a tumor was wrapped around the main aorta of his heart.

There are no words for the emotion that swept throughout my heart and soul. I unexpectedly dropped to my knees and began to pray out loud.
The doctors later came in and informed us that he would not make it through the weekend.

While sitting next to his side, I picked up a Bible and it opened to James, chapter 5verses 14-15 "Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 and the prayer of faith shall save him that is sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, it shall be forgiven him." (ASV Bible)

My extended family was Catholic but it did not matter to me who anointed him with oil but that he was anointed. My heart of hearts reached out in obedience but knew that this anointing would not guarantee his survival. The one thing I did know for certain was God's words were loud and clear, that it should be done.

I spoke with my mother and she agreed and called a priest. We stood and prayed and watched his body slowly return to his normal size.

On Monday morning a Jewish doctor was doing his rounds and peeked in to see us all sitting in my father's room. We were helping my dad eat and regain his strength. I will never forget that doctor as he stood in the door and shook his head and repeated, "Miracle, miracle!" and silently vanished into the hospital hallway.

I was able to speak with my dad about the importance of excepting Christ as his personal savior. We prayed together and I later witnessed him telling others how the room lit up when he prayed.

I often reflect on the reason that God granted this miracle. My reason was because I did not want to see my dad leave but I believe God's reason was he wanted to bring another safely home.

My dad passed away a year later. I am comforted to know that I will see him again in eternity. What a grand reunion it will be!