Prayer Works!

By Sally Russell

What a journey God has allowed our family to experience over the last nine months. In May, a month after my husband, Curt, lost his job, I penned the words: "I have no need to fear or worry. God will continue to use and bless me if I put my trust in Him." I wrote that about two weeks before Curt completely severed two fingers and spent 15 days in the hospital trying to save them. Those 15 days were quite a ride. Like a roller coaster, with its smooth curves, steep climbs, and terrifying free falls, we experienced the power of prayer in this life changing experience.

The prayers began in the ambulance with a phone call to the church office. By the time Curt was in the ER he was surrounded by Central family. The initial prognosis gave him no hope of saving the fingers. I prayed for a miracle and God answered "Yes," immediately. One young doctor in the OR was willing to defy the odds and perform the 10 hour surgery on Curt's hand. The praying of countless friends and family continued, resulting in a successful reattachment. We all lifted prayers of thanksgiving.

God uses a mixture of yes' and no's in our prayer life to shape us into the person He wants us to be. The initial days in the hospital were part of the smooth ride, with visits from church family and a steady pulse in both fingers. But there were many twists, turns and opportunities for despair along the way. I called on the prayer warriors throughout our vigil. One example of how God hears our prayers was in the miraculous provision of leeches (yes, the creepy little critters) to aid in the healing process. There were none to be found in the Baltimore area, but with the help of our praying congregation, Steve Simms hunted the leeches down and they did their work. The doctor and the nurses stood around amazed at what was happening in the room of the "leech guy." However, by day 9 the doctor gave up hoping for a miracle and began preparations for amputation. This was a terrifying free fall day. God surrounded Curt with the Pastor Nominating Committee that morning, praying over him and praying for the decision they would make in his hospital room to call our pastor, John Schmidt. In the end, both fingers were saved. Through my prayers and those of innumerable others I had peace about the whole situation, surrendering to God my own desires and accepting His plan instead.

At this writing, Curt is still unemployed and we remain on a roller coaster of sorts. God's faithfulness and provision continues to amaze us and more importantly, is astounding those around us who know nothing of the Jesus whom we know and love. PRAYER WORKS. Through prayer I have a new confidence in God and a reliance on him that I otherwise would not have known. I thank Him for this deeper relationship and even for the events that have led up to it. It is our job as believers to share the wonderful gift of prayer. The opportunities are endless!