If zeal and volume get God's attention then tonight at our outreach we should see hundreds of people saved. And Bridget should be there feeling healthy and strong. But if only one or two or a handful of people pray is it a failure? And if Bridget dies anyway who is to blame?
I think that we mistake enthusiasm for results. We talk like God is moving powerfully but there is no evidence that He is doing anything. Our prayer list of very ill brethren who need our help would disappear since we are contending for God to heal them now.
My fear is if we pray with fervor and nothing happens we do not accept it as our fault. If Bridget dies, like she is dying now, is it her lack of faith that kept here from living a few more years?
King Hezekiah was on his death bed when the prophet told him to get his house in order. But the king's tears and prayer bought him 15 more years. He was healed immediately. So there is a God who heals for sure. And there is a God who takes people to Heaven where we all want to go.
There was a time when I no longer prayed for pastor or sister Mitchell for healing. I prayed for them for strength and peace and comfort. Same with Kathy. Same with Bridget. Death is not a failure. Baseless enthusiasm is deceptive. Results speak louder than loud prayers.
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