A Bold Prayer

Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it. Hebrews 4:16

“Nick, are you sitting down?” The doctor’s tone indicated that something was terribly wrong. Nick’s stomach was suddenly overrun with nausea.

“Your wife has been badly hurt,” the doctor hurried on, leaving Nick no opportunity to interrupt him. “We think she is going to live, but she may not be able to take care of herself and will probably never walk again.”

Janet had been the glue that held the family together. Nick never had to worry about his behavior or his character because Janet had always fixed things for him. But suddenly she was a quadriplegic. Now everything was up to Nick.

The weeks that followed the accident were agonizing. There were hospital visits, talks with doctors, and endless questions from friends and family.

In the midst of the agony and turmoil, Nick prayed differently than he ever had before. After particularly difficult days, Nick would slump down and pray, “God, do whatever you want with me. I’m too tired to figure out my life anymore.”

Much to Nick’s surprise, an uncommon peace took up residence in his heart. The more he aggressively talked to God about his present situation, the stronger this peace grew.

Nick will never tell people that Janet’s accident was a good thing in their lives, but even she says with amazement, “My accident made Nick a better husband than I ever thought I would have.”

If you are facing a difficult situation right now, boldly talk to God. He will give you peace and grace to see you through.

Lord, when I want to run away, help me instead to run to you in prayer.