July/August 2007
FEATURES
A vision for growth at Granger Community
Church Riley B. Case travels through the genesis of a
megachurch.
Social justice through the eyes of Wesley Irv A. Brendlinger celebrates the rich heritage of active holiness.
Praying people bring God’s answers Margaret Therkelsen offers a candid look at crisis and comfort.
Contract and covenant: In search of American identity Richard John Neuhaus plumbs the depths of a national theology.
Evel Knievel’s leap of faith Steve Beard applauds the baptism of a daredevil.
COLUMNS
Editorial General Conference and specific questions
Next Generation The dangers of transparency
RENEW Women’s Network Retain the label—before it’s lost
The Great Commission In the home of an Imam
From the Heart There’s no place like home
DEPARTMENTS
News Analysis Women’s Division showcases radical speakers
News
Cuban Methodists thrive but feel effect of embargo
State of the Church report reveals hope and concern
United Methodists join in Sudan water mission project
The doctor fastened very sober eyes on my husband, John, and said, "You have AML (acute mylogenous leukemia) and if it is not type M-3, there is nothing we can do for you. You are in a dying condition even as I speak. I hope your affairs are in order." With this shocking announcement he turned and left the room.
There are no words in any language to describe the utter and complete amazement John and I both felt. We could scarcely take it in! We both knew he had been profoundly weary this winter and spring. His ministry as a hospital chaplain is intense and trying many times. He had tried to get an appointment with the doctor but was unable to secure a time. Our plans were to leave town the following day for a much needed two week vacation. That was impossible now; instead, we were waiting for the results of the bone marrow biopsy to determine the type of leukemia and probably chemotherapy, if he had M-3.
As the door closed on the doctor's departure, within my heart I clearly heard the precious indwelling Holy Spirit say, "Go to the bedside (I had been seated in a corner with a dear praying friend) and release this entire experience to God the Father. You and John must give this circumstance totally to God to do what is in his heart to do at this time. If He wants to heal John on the other side you must let him go. Whatever will give God the most glory is the bottom line. He will do what is right."
I shared with John what the Holy Spirit had said, and he was in complete agreement. With tears rolling down both our faces we put the situation completely in God's loving hands.
As we prayed, the compassionate, radiant peace of Father, Son and Holy Spirit came down on us. We knew we were out of God's way by giving it totally into His keeping, and in our hearts we absolutely knew he would do the right thing-God's holy will.
We felt such a heavenly comfort I was able to go home to a dark house tucked under the eternal protection of a loving Heavenly Father. John was able to go to sleep and rest in his hospital bed.
There was simply no way John and I could have prayed the prayer of absolute surrender to God's will without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. We had been married 38 years at that time and loved each other dearly. God was at the center of our marriage.
A few days prior to this diagnosis, an unprecedented unfolding of God's presence-the tabernacle of God- hovered over my head and settled slowly down over my entire body as I walked into the room where I pray daily (Isaiah 6:6; Revelation 21:3). The reality of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit was more real than at any time in my long prayer life, except when I yielded all to the Holy Spirit over 33 years ago.
I was stunned, and knew I did not deserve such a demonstration of the Godhead's presence. I had no idea why He had graced me in such an unforgettable way. His Presence lingered in this way until it slowly lifted off of me. He told me the next morning it was empowerment to trust him and not to be afraid as we walked through these days. God held me steady through one crisis after another.
John had been reading the classic Streams in the Desert the first day in the hospital. The message for the day contained the story of Jesus saying to the disciples, "Let us go over to the other side" (Mark 4:35). The Holy Spirit made it real to John that we would go through many storms but that he would have his way. He would bring us through. John felt tremendous encouragement and faith rise up within him.
John and I believe deeply that God does not have pets or favorites. He is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), but reverence and respect for a daily prayer life is a reality in our home. We believe that daily time spent alone in God's presence teaches us his ways (John 14:26), transforms us from glory to glory (II Corinthians 3:18), and provides time to pray for others (Luke 11:1-13). We receive an appropriation of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit's life through much time with him.
The afternoon of the following day the doctor entered John's room and said, "In all my 20 years here, I have never received the results of a biopsy on a Saturday afternoon when it was sent out late Friday. I have the report in my hand."
"There are people serious in their prayer life praying for John," I said from my corner of the room.
"I know," he said, "I can sense prayer here. That is the only answer. The results show John has the M-3 variety of AML."
In two hours we were on our way to Markey Cancer Center at the University of Kentucky where they have done intensive research on M-3.
This experience and all that unfolded in the next seven months was a highly significant confirmation of what we have sought to live and to teach most of our lives. Coming together weekly to pray is a holy habit in our lives. The power of God is released only through the daily practice of private prayer-a giving of ourselves to Father, Son and Holy Spirit in waiting, adoring, and interceding prayer. We have seen the results.
Margaret Therkelsen is a teacher, counselor, intercessor, and member of First United Methodist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. She is the author of the Love Exchange and Realizing the Presence of the Spirit.
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