The Greatest Action Is Prayer When Needs Arise

---

---

Happy is the person 
who can hold up under the trials of life. 
At the right time, 
he’ll know God’s sweet approval and will be crowned with life. 
As God has promised, 
the crown awaits 
all who love Him."
James 1:12 Voice

When I first woke up, I thought it was Thursday but after the second cup of coffee realized it is Wednesday. There are a couple ways to view this. First, we could accept a position of grumbling, "It's only Wednesday, will this week ever end?" or we can be thankful because of an additional twenty-four hours this week. In essence, by thinking it's a day later, we gain a day.

I'm choosing to gain a day as I move into the week's adventures. It's been a long week. Last Wednesday, life changed for many that I care for and love. As today begins, I pray our friends receive a positive report from the doctor. The day my only sister, Heidi Allen, was kidnapped from the D & W Convenience store, I learned an important lesson. Tomorrow, or even a minute from now isn't guaranteed. In a matter of moments, life can change. 

Prayers for friends, their family, and our community surrounds my heart with much emotion this week. How do I encourage and support them during this difficult time? What words do they need to hear? Is there really anything we can say or do to ease their pain, remove their worry, or encourage their hearts?

In some ways, there are many things we can do yet sometimes the greatest gift is to step back and let the family grieve and accept their new normal, while waiting for the next destination on this journey. While we wait alongside them, we can pray. To some, this doesn't seem like enough, yet to those watching God answer the prayers lifted on their loved one's behalf...prayer is a priceless gift in the midst of the trial and hurdle they face. 

We have to pray with our eyes on God,
not on the difficulties."
~Oswald Chambers ~

What is one way you can encourage 
someone when one of life's trials arrive?

If you are going through a tough time, or have in the past...how do/did the prayers of others encourage and lift you up during this time?