Confronted by Unbelief?
by T. L. Wiens
I know the difference prayer makes as do most followers of Jesus Christ. The answers may not always look the way we envision but we know God hears us.
Recently, I was confronted by someone who not only isn’t a believer but is anti-Christian to the point of being violent towards anyone who mentions anything to do with the faith. She got very angry as she listened in on a conversation I was having with a fellow Christian about how prayer got us through hard times. This woman interrupted and was adamant our prayers had done nothing. If she found herself in the same place, she’d have the same strength to endure.
Is she right?
At my dad’s funeral, a man watches as my family files into the church hall for lunch. As I pass, he grabs hold of me. With the lapels of my blazer tightly in his grip, he demands to know what kind of people we are that we could celebrate a death. I reply that we are Christians. I will see my dad again.
A young couple gets the devastating news that he is very ill with a deadly leukemia. They smile and pray their way through the months that follow. They are now married, the death sentence lifted.
A family friend is praying for her spouse to come to know the Lord. She endures years of abuse at his hand. Their daughter is diagnosed with an incurable illness. My friend’s spouse falls to his knees, pleading for his daughter’s life. She’s healed and he becomes a pastor and the loving husband my friend has prayed for.
While waiting in the hospital with my family, another family comes to us begging us to come sing “Amazing Grace.” They want Christians present during their loved one’s passing so that the death will be peaceful.
In Matthew 18:18-20 Jesus says:
“Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
I believe in prayer. More than that, I’ve been a recipient of the power of words spoken to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. How sad to go through life without that lifeline! I’ll pray for this woman that she can experience God’s presence and attention to our prayers. I hope she’s ready for what happens when a follower of Christ prays.
Related articles
- What Is a Grandma Prayer Bug? (underthecoverofprayer.wordpress.com)
- 5 Steps to Becoming a Prayer Warrior (justifaith.wordpress.com)
Tammy Wiens
Tammy lives in Saskatchewan with her husband. They have four children. She enjoys gardening, walks along the beach and being on the farm. She has a passion for her faith, studying the Bible and prayer.
She has published two books; Where a Little Rain Comes Down and Making the Bitter Sweet. A short story, “May’s First Christmas” appeared in Christmas Chaos, a collection of stories about Christmas experiences that don’t make the fronts of Christmas cards. “Careful What You Whisper” is another short story about Tammy’s experiences after breaking her back. It can be found in A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider. Visit T. L. Wiens for more information about Tammy’s books and workshops.
I agree Jim. Until you experience the presence of God you don’t understand or know what you’re missing.
When I read todays Under the Cover of Prayer my heart warmed and felt joy and peace. I don’t think a non believer can experience those feelings from whatever strenghts they may have.