Faith Filled Family Magazine August 2016 | Page 33

What if what we are praying
for is good but it still seems to
go unanswered or even gets
answered in a way contrary to
what we prayed for? What then?
Not too long ago, I really struggled with that same thing. A few
years ago, my dad had suffered
a massive stroke. He had spent
months in the hospital recuperating. He had completed his
physical therapy and had been
discharged to go home and continue to mend. He was struggling
with some things, but overall, he
seemed to be finally improving.
I had spent months praying that
God would strengthen him and
heal him and I was excited about
his progress.
After being home a few short
weeks, he unexpectedly suffered another massive stroke.

This one did extensive damage
and even required temporary
life support. My family and I
spent the entire next week by
his side. I diligently prayed that
God would heal him. I had complete faith that God was going
to do a miracle and that miracle
would not only heal my dad, but
would also bring my lost family
to Christ. I had it all figured out.
I knew in my heart that God was
using this situation for His glory.
It soon became evident that my
dad’s body had worked as hard
as it could and that there was no
possibility for him to pull through.
The life support that was supposed to be temporary was the
only thing keeping him alive.
The doctors said that there was
no brain activity and we had to
make the heart wrenching choice
to take my dad off of life sup-

port. I still can’t stop the tears
as I remember those final hours
with my mom, brother, and sisters gathered around him. I was
heartbroken on so many levels.
Not only was my earthly father
dying, but I felt so confused by
what my heavenly Father was
allowing to happen.
I didn’t get my miracle. My dad
passed away just before Christmas. I spent the weeks around
the holidays that year in shock,
confusion, and pain. I simply
couldn’t understand what had
happened. I couldn’t understand
why things didn’t go according
to my plan. Instead of drawing
closer to God, my family was
hurt an d angry at losing my Dad
and I felt like God had missed
an opportunity to truly show his
power to my family and to win