National Day of Prayer…on a Personal Level

Today is the National Day of Prayer, a day of “Investing in Hope…Transforming Our Nation Through Prayer.” I’m thankful many in America remain committed to the concept of “One Nation Under God” and are praying for her on this special day.

I join my brothers and sisters across the country in crying out to the Father today on behalf of our nation. After all, we know God answers prayer.

We know because we’ve experienced it ourselves.

This week I put out a call to some of my friends, asking them to share their stories of answered prayer. Here are three testimonies to encourage you today.

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From Gail Huskey Kelly:

In February, my brother, Stan Huskey, became very ill from what he thought was the flu. On February 19, he was admitted to St. Francis Hospital in Greenville, SC because he was so weak. They discovered a grapefruit-sized mass on his liver. They thought it was cancer. By February 22, his liver, kidney, and lungs had all shut down and he was put on life support. Even on life support, we were told he wouldn’t make it through the day.

Miracle #1: The biopsy came back negative for cancer. One very brave doctor agreed to do surgery on his liver, although there was not one indication in Stan’s favor that he would pull through. We were told his chance of survival was 5%. But we took the chance because as my sister said, God is not a God of man’s percentages. The doctor allowed us to place our hands on him and pray before he did the surgery on Stan.

My brother came through the surgery, but in a very tentative, very critical state. Three weeks later, when Stan was still in ICU, that same doctor told us he expected Stan to spiral down over the next two or three days. So that night our entire large family went to the healing service at First Presbyterian. We were all anointed with oil after the service. We returned to Stan’s room, laid hands on him, and prayed again for his healing.

The very next day Miracle #2 began as things started moving in a positive direction for Stan. After eight weeks in ICU, he came home! All the doctors and nurses acknowledge that he is a walking miracle.

Miracle #3 is that through this experience, we have seen many family members’ fledgling faith grow into a real faith in Jesus and in His power to save.

To God be the glory for all he has done!

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From Gary:

I never expected to be where I am today: almost 49 and still single. I was sure that by age 30, I’d be married and have kids. It almost happened that way. In my mid-20s, I fell in love and thought my plan was coming true. I was sure she was the one.

But then one day, she broke it off. It was over.

Brokenhearted, I went on with my life. I decided then that before I ever said “I love you” again, I would be absolutely 100% certain it was real.

I dated often and made many friends, but I never found that special girl . . . so I never said those three words of love. My dating slowed down in my 40’s, but I continued to look for love in all the right places.

I continued to pray for my wife-to-be every day, sometimes several times a day. I would go out on my deck on clear moonlit nights, look up to heaven, and pray for her, knowing God could see both of us at the same time.

The Bible says that if I wait on the Lord, it will be so worth it that I’ll soar like an eagle! I held on to that promise, and then something amazing happened.

When I was 46, a childhood friend since pre-school became more than a friend to me. Finally, I was in love again. And the Bible was right: I soared!

But two and a half years into the relationship, she ended it. Nothing had happened. No fight, nothing hurtful said. In fact, it seemed perfect. But still she ended it. I was devastated, emotionally damaged.

And yet, I still go to God in prayer and I still find comfort. During my life, I’ve seen the wonders of answered prayer in the lives of close friends and total strangers.

So I go to the Father with more than just hope that God can heal my pain. After all, Jesus prayed in the Garden and told the Father His soul was so full of sorrow that He was at the point of death. That is my Savior feeling heartache!

And because of his heartache, I know I’m praying to a God who knows what hurt is. I pray daily and often for His work in me. Because of His promises—and because He’s done it for others—I have faith and peace that He will do it for me.

But regardless of the outcome, my prayer is still answered. . . because I know He’s working His best in me.

And that’s the most amazing miracle of all.

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From Carrington Fussell:

I had been praying and working hard to get into nursing school. In early March I got a letter stating I didn’t get in. I was devastated. But instead of complaining or arguing with God, I prayed that His will would be done, and that I would be at peace in His plans.

On March 15th I got a phone call stating that they had a seat for me! God came through, just like He always does!

But whether things work out the way I want or not, He always brings peace to my soul. I love being reminded that I’m the daughter of The Lord Almighty, and that gives me so much hope.

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So, what are you praying for today on this National Day of Prayer?

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2

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