Have you ever faced a week of continual bad news? Where every day is a nightmare?
It was the summer of 2009 when a myriad of difficult events hit our family. Seven days in a row. Circumstances shook me to the core. Fear knocked fiercely at my door. We were under attack.
- On Tuesday my son was scheduled for an MRI because of suspicious EEG results.
- On Wednesday his wife endured a grueling biopsy of her thyroid.
- On Thursday their 4 year old son was diagnosed with 20/60 vision in his left eye.
- On Friday their dog was hit by a car and died in surgery.
- On Saturday their 7 year old daughter developed croup and spiked a raging fever
- On Sunday their 10 year old daughter came down with a horrible migraine headache.
- And to complete the week, 90-year old Great Grandma fell and broke her arm.
We faced each day praying individually. But we needed something more. The prayer of agreement.
Both sides of the family decided to gather together in our son’s home. Reaching out to God on behalf of our children and grandchildren. Joining hands and hearts in one accord. We’d had enough already. Family prayer was the best weapon to fight this battle.
As we took turns praying aloud, one family member suggested how to face these trials.
1. Declare the Word.
No word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.
Luke 1:37
2. Ask others to pray.
Pray for each other so you may be healed.
James 5:16
3. Anticipate His goodness.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
Psalm 23:6
4. Magnify God’s character, not the circumstances.
But you O Lord are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness.
Psalm 86:15
5. Focus on Jesus.
The eyes of all look to you; you open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
Psalm 145:16
6. Remember past victories.
Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all His benefits.
Psalm 103:2
7. Praise no matter what.
As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against their enemies.
2 Chronicles 20:22
We began to see God make a way. Every day of the next week brought answers and solutions. Our petitions were met with thanksgiving.
- We praised God for a normal MRI.
- We thanked Him for a benign biopsy.
- We praised God for doctors and medication.
- We thanked Him for eye therapy and glasses.
- We praised Him for long-term nursing care.
- We thanked God for strength in hard times.
- We rejoiced in the adoption of a new puppy.
Our family sang the praises of God into battle. And continued to sing His praises coming out.
We were tremendously grateful for good reports. And the wise solutions God gave man to combat medical conditions, as well as the grace to endure each situation.
There was tremendous plunder in those battles. Treasures in darkness. Wisdom more precious than rubies and lessons to apply in the future.
That’s how we made it through our seven days of difficulty.
What about you? No matter what you’re going through, consider praying with others. Declare God’s Word and anticipate His goodness. Focus on Jesus and praise Him through the battle. Remember what God has done in the past, magnifying Him rather than the problem.
Then you can sit back and rest in His promise.
His mercies are new every morning and His grace is sufficient for every need.