The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "NOT ALONE" for Saturday, 3 September 2016 with Scripture: James 5:13 Is someone among you in trouble? He should pray. Is someone feeling good? He should sing songs of praise.14 Is someone among you ill? He should call for the elders of the congregation. They will pray for him and rub olive oil on him in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer offered with trust will heal the one who is ill — the Lord will restore his health; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
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Trust in [God] at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.[Psalm 62:8 (NIV)]
The day was going fine until I got to the hospital for a routine appointment with my cardiologist. When he finished the cardiac catheterization procedure, he spoke frankly: “You need open-heart surgery.” No words had ever so crushed me — not even at Christmastime when at age 22 I was told that I would be deployed to Vietnam. I was not even so shocked when, on Mother’s Day at the age of 55, I received my orders for a tour of duty in Iraq.
Many thoughts raced through my mind as my wife tried to console me. I remained stunned and overwhelmed. In that fleeting moment, any semblance of faith seemed to vanish.
However, I soon rallied when I received many calls of support from friends, family, and church members. And their prayers did not fail. I realized that I was not alone! I remembered Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” This scripture revived my faith in my savior. He has always comforted me in time of need. I learned not to doubt the power of my Lord — no matter the circumstances.
The Author: Santos Vega (Puerto Rico)
Thought for the Day: The prayers of my community can give me strength.
Prayer: Merciful God, restore our faith when we are overcome by challenging circumstances. Amen.
Prayer focus: CARDIOLOGISTS
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