Wouldn’t it be nice?
Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.”
I don’t know about you, but I’d sure love to take a peek at the plan God has for us! Do you think it’s proprietary information? 
I know it defeats the purpose of faith, but wouldn’t it be a whole lot easier to trust Him if we could at least see the last page of his plan for each of our lives?
Just so you know, I’m not very patient. And I don’t like “not yet” answers to prayer.
Oh yes, I know His ways are not mine, His timing is not my timing.
Wouldn’t it be nice? Just a quick peek.
The Responsibility of Prayer
in Jarid’s words…
In the past couple of years, I have nearly lost my father on two separate occasions due to motorcycle accidents. You never really know how you will react when that kind of thing happens. I had the opportunity to test myself twice in the area of family tragedy. It was interesting to learn the dynamics of that situation. I can’t really share any wisdom with you, because it will not be the same for you. For me, my role was emotional stability. I realized quickly that my father needed me, my mother needed me, and my sister needed me. They all relied on me in different ways, but my gift was in being the stability that was needed by my family at the time. My role was not more or less important than those that were filled by other family members. Instead, God seemed to orchestrate every facial expression and every spoken word. Every minute detail was in His control. Without faith, it would be easy to see how emotions could completely destroy a family under similar circumstances.
Now I find myself in what is even a more difficult situation. My best friend was put in an impossible position when his mother tragically died last weekend. I don’t know how to comfort him. I don’t think there are words that could possibly help. To some extent, I wish it was me in this position instead of him. I felt a sense of duty when it was my father on a hospital bed. I felt completely comforted and assured by the prayers of those around me. I only hope that he is feeling the presence of God the way that I did. Today, I realize my responsibility in this event. It’s a responsibility that seems too easy. Yet, I find it more difficult to fulfill this responsibility. It’s my duty to pray.
When it was me going through a difficult time, I know that he was in prayer for my whole family. I know that he prayed for us individually, by name, and for specific reasons. Now I must not overlook something as simple as this in return. So I pray; individually, by name, and for specific reasons. I pray that he sees God in every facial expression, and in every spoken word. I pray that he will be able to look back on these days and comment on how God seemed to orchestrate every moment. I know that this day was in God’s plan, and that today his mother is intimately familiar with the loving arms of Jesus. This family made an eternal impact on me, and even the rest of my family. This family forever affected the way that I live and love my wife and my children. I pray that they take comfort as this phrase echoes in heaven; “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Update on Tayveon
Quickly, because I’m at work…and really not supposed to be on the internet…..
Just learned that they are 90% sure the tumor is NOT cancerous!!! For now, it looks like they will still have to remove his left eye, but his right eye is perfect.
God knows the end before it happens. But the power of prayer is unmistakable.
Please continue to keep them in your prayers.
Tayveon Feenstra
I feel such an urgency to post this, so please excuse the rambling or spelling errors.
A good friend of mine from middle school and high school, David Emmelkamp, needs your prayer right now. They just found out that his little boy, Tayveon, who is 4, has a tumor behind his eye. In the last few days, they learned that his sight is gone from that eye and that the tumor, and possibly his eye, will have to be removed. They rushed to Mayo Clinic in Rochester and were told today that the tumor may be cancerous. Additionally, it may have gotten to his other eye and his optic nerve. If I understand correctly from his sister’s update, if it is cancerous and has reached his optic nerve, it is terminal and very aggressive. They will not have any answers until tomorrow, when Tayveon has surgery.
Please pray for this little boy and his family. I know I’ve been guilty of deleting the emails, skipping the forwards where you are asked to urgently pray for so-and-so, or such-and-such, and you don’t even know them. Our human nature is to push this aside and disconnect ourselves. I am asking you on a personal note to say a prayer for this little boy. Pray fervently. God hears, no matter how long or short your prayer. He hears one prayer. He hears them all. The power of prayer is a real thing, and this little boy needs your prayer. David and his wife, Kelli, need your prayers.
I could write about how God is in control and He knows exactly what will happen, etc… Right now, just pray.
As an FYI, David grew up in the Belgrade/Amsterdam area, and attended Belgrade High School. His parents are Keith and Karen Emmelkamp and they attended the Belgrade Alliance Church. That may ring a bell for a few of you…
Please just take a minute.
***I have to add this, because it’s so fitting and because I relate so many times and areas of my life to music.
I’m hopin’ this prayer will turn out right.
See, there is a boy that needs Your help.
I’ve done all that I can do myself
His mother is tired,
I’m sure You can understand.
Each night as he sleeps
She goes in to hold his hand,
And she tries
Not to cry
As the tears fill her eyes.
Can You hear me?
Am I getting through tonight?
Can You see him?
Can You make him feel all right?
If You can hear me
Let me take his place some how.
See, he’s not just anyone, he’s my son.
Sometimes late at night I watch him sleep,
I dream of the boy he’d like to be.
I try to be strong and see him through,
But God, who he needs right now is You.
Let him grow old,
Live life without this fear.
What would I be
Living without him here?
He’s so tired,
And he’s scared
Let him know that You’re there.
Can You hear me?
Am I getting through tonight?
Can You see him?
Can You make him feel all right?
If You can hear me
Let me take his place some how.
See, he’s not just anyone, he’s my son.
Can You hear me?
Am I getting through tonight?
Can You see him?
Can You make him feel all right?
If You can hear me
Let me take his place somehow.
See, he’s not just anyone.
Can You hear me?
Can You see him?
Please don’t leave him,
He’s my son.
Click here to listen/watch on YouTube.
