40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 36

Focus: Trust
By Bonnie Usher, IOC

Scripture Reference:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”
(Proverbs 3:5-6).

Devotional:

There once was a program on TV called “Who do you trust?” Maybe it was before your time, but it is a good question.

I am the parent of two adult sons and last year we had a situation in our family that almost destroyed us. My oldest son freely admits he is an alcoholic. He had been through rehabilitation and three months later fell “off the wagon.” My younger son and I lived thousands of miles away and we were concerned. We went to a family get-together with high expectations. Unfortunately Colin and I could see immediately that Ian was literally killing himself with alcohol and pills. We felt helpless, along with his wife, but God would not leave this situation unchanged. The Lord actually arranged an intervention for us with Ian; he wanted help and was willing to change. I asked Ian to commit to at least six months in rehabilitation and he agreed.

The next day I made some phone calls and arranged to bring Ian to Texas with me. He had an appointment at Rhema Ranch, and the counselor agreed to take Ian into their program following detoxification. After five days in a psychiatric hospital Ian entered the program at Rhema Ranch. During his second week a pastor prophesied over him that he would go home and be the spiritual leader of his family. He went back to the single wide trailer where he lived with nine other guys and got down on his knees and asked Jesus to take over. He stayed for nine months, made a wonderful recovery, and is now home with his wife and little girl.

It is a miracle, but nothing is too hard for God. Many people prayed for him and I know God heard our heartfelt cries. I still pray for my son everyday and thank each of you who have done that with me. We can trust God with the most important things and people in our lives.

Prayer Points:

* Pray for increased trust in God to finish the good work He has begun in each of us (Philippians 1:6).

* Pray that we can trust that the Africa Mercy will sail in His time.

* Pray for a renewed sense that God hears our prayers and will answer.