I’m needing some prayer for my great-granddaughter, Jadalyn, who is in the hospital for tests related to some lung issues. I’ve just reread this blog from the beginning of my blogging experience (fall, 2015) and am reminded again of how often God does answer prayer in such unexpected ways. So I’m doing a copy and paste. Going back to the hospital to spend the night with her in about an hour. So I’m hurrying! 😀
October 14, 2014
I want to tell you some stories about some amazing coincidences in my life, and I don’t want this to be a religious speech so I’m calling it “Fat Chance.” (Those of us who believe God answers pray can call it “Thank God.)
I heard a survey result on TV the other day that said 64% of Americans pray daily. So I guess about 64% of Americans would say this is a religious speech about answered prayer; 38% will say, “Wow, what a coincidence.” So whether or not these are answered prayers is up to you. Here are my stories:
Back in the early 60’s my family lived in Colorado. We lived in Alamosa, but we were driving on the highway from Pueblo to Canon City on a sort of semi business trip. Our car stopped; we couldn’t get it started. After a short time – maybe five minutes, a car pulled up to us coming from the west – we were traveling east. Would you believe who was in it! The Wilkins family! Our closest friends from when we lived in Oklahoma City. They had passed us as they were going east from Oklahoma City to visit Patsy’s mother in Carbondale, Colo. Their son, David, had said he saw Carl in the stopped car. They could hardly believe that he could be right but he was convincing enough that they turned around to see. Sure enough it was Carl. Orin helped to get the car started and we were all on our way again.
The second story is about Buttons. You remember, my puppy, the star of my parable “Consider the Puppy.” When he was a little fellow probably less than one year old, he got out of our yard one evening rather late. We tried to find him but it was soon too dark to have any chance. We lived rather close to a canal park area. I thought he might have gone there. Next morning I woke near dawn, got in the car to see if I could find him anywhere. We lived on 113th street where the road T’d into Windmill Road. I don’t know why I didn’t go to the park where I thought he might be, but I decided to go north on Windmill Road. I drove past 114th looking down the street to the east. On to 115th looking east; then I decided to go back to 114th. I turned around and went back turned east and saw a garage door open. A lady was getting in her car to go to work. I stopped and called, “I’ve lost a puppy.” “Oh,” she said, “is he a little brown colored Sitz Tsu? He came by last night and we locked him up in our back yard. Let me get him for you.” How is that for timing? In the time of a garage door going up.
Then there is my ring story. I had lost weight and my ring was loose. I was sitting at my desk talking on the phone, twirling my ring, thinking how good it was that it was loose. It fell off. I finished my call, turned around to pick up my ring. Couldn’t find it. I become rather frantic. It must be there! There is a school bag behind me, nothing else; I look through it. Nothing. It couldn’t have bounced far on my carpeted floor. It has to be there. Look down the air duct. Nothing. Call Krissy and her friend to help me look. They found nothing. Sammy got in the action. Vacuums the floor; carefully goes through the dirt. Nothing. It is not to be found. I become somewhat suspicious. Could Krissy’s friend have found it and taken it home with him? My friend Margaret prayed about it, but I had completely given it up. I had another ring made. Margaret asked me periodically whether or not I had found my ring. She was a stubborn sort. About a year later, Krissy pulled out a box of games which was kept in the cabinet behind my desk. “Oh, gramma!” she said, “Is this your ring?” Sure enough, my wedding ring! In a shoe box filled with Uno, Rook, Go,fish!” How did it get there? I’ll never know.
Truth is, I’m in the 64%. I don’t necessarily believe both Texas/OU are both going to win the same game because both sides are praying desperately. But I do believe the scripture, II Chronicles 16:9, that says the eyes of the Lord look to and fro to do good for his people.
To those in the 38%, isn’t coincidence wonderful! And to those of us in the 64%, isn’t God wonderful!
(Yep, I know it doesn’t total 100%. I guess some numbers were rounded up.)
Oneta, I know from personal experiences exactly how God works intimately and on time in our lives. Please keep us post on Jadalyn’s progress.
Thanks, Judy. We were crushed recently when we were told she might have cystic fibrosis. Yesterday we were delighted to be told there was absolutely no chance of that but she did have some kind of lung disease. Today they say she a severely case of inflamed asthma. Hoping to go home tomorrow with some revised and better meds. We have a test night tonight hoping to keep her oxygen up with breathing treatments. Last night she didn’t make it without the oxygen but we’re trusting , praying and hoping. That’s some major relief from cystic fibrosis!
Thanks for the detailed update.
Prayers coming for you and your family. God constantly places his holy angels in our path to protect and shield us.
Lifting up Jadalyn in prayer, praying the Lord will bring speedy healing and a good outcome. Praying too for grandma and the whole family, that He fill them with His peace and make His presence known to them. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Thank you, see update at top under Judy.Thanks, see update under Judy at top comment.
My thoughts and prayers are with Jadalyn and your family. ❤️🙏
Thanks, Dorinda, see update under Judy at the top.
Prayers for Jadalyn, a pretty name.
Loved your examples of answered prayers!! God is so amazing! Thanks for the smile of encouragement .
Thanks, nourishes. See update under Judy at the top.
Prayers are being lifted up Oneta
Thanks, Julia See update under Judy at the top.
Prayers can be continuous. Letting the Holy Spirit lead and guide is such a relational Gift from our God who is relational. I am asking the Lord now for His reminders and help to keep you and this situation in His Care. Will check the update under Judy. Love from me.
Thanks, Faye. I appreciate your concern and prayers.
I’m sorry I was late to see this, but I’m also glad to see the update. Cystic fibrosis is a terrible disease, and there must be great relief all around that she isn’t dealing with that. I’ve learned just a bit about inflammation and asthma, since a cousin has been dealing with it for years. I suppose that’s part of the good news, too — many people grow out of it, and those who don’t can keep it under control for decades, as my cousin has.
I do pray that all is well, and the the right course of treatment will bring Jadalyn some relief –and everyone else, of course!
We are home from the hospital tonight. Have a new plan of action that sounds encouraging . She has been on a downhill slide. Very active and feeling well today. Fortunately I do not have to do the breathing exercises tonight. She is terribly hard to wake up. I should not have let her get so tired. Next one will be at three-thirty but maybe she will not be in such a deep sleep as she was just now. But it is such a relief to have a team of doctors in agreement.
Being home will help, too. And it is good to have the docs in agreement. That adds to a sense of security, and that will help everyone. Rest well!
May god protect her and sheild her from all storms. May she be blessed. My all prayers with her.
And god really helps in the ways we never knew he would. Even I have such experiences.
Indeed He does care about us and our needs. Thank you so much.
Sending prayers to you and your family!!! May god wrap his hands around you all!
Thank you. And amen