Beyond what we ask ...

Eph. 3:20-21 says, "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly thanall that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,forever and ever. Amen."

Paul's spontaneous prayer culminating his teaching to the Ephesians about their position in Christ reflects our heart as I share with you an update about my mother-in-law. After spending 3 weeks in the hospital and rehab (the reason for my lack of posting of late), she is going home from the hospital tomorrow (Friday) -- but that is only part of the story.

As we (and others) prayed, God worked a miracle in her heart, changing her mindset and attitude and giving her joy in her circumstances. After this, He went far beyond what we thought to ask. After years of being confined to a wheelchair, she is now walking!

Her osteoporosis has been so severe, and her body so weak, that the doctor confined her to a wheelchair for her own safety, to prevent falls and breaks. However, at rehab she was assigned a determined therapist named Iris. Iris understood this limitation and risk, but also knew that bones need to bear weight to get stronger. So in consultation with thephysiasist (an MD specializing in physical therapy), she developed a plan to get mom walking a little. She can now walk 20 feet at a time unassisted, 4 times in a row. 80 feet might not seem a lot to you, but for someone who hasn't been able to putter around her kitchen, this is huge.

I share this to let you know how God answers prayers, but also to remind you that whatever stage in life you are at, God meets you in intimate ways when your heart is to continue to serve Him. Unlike some of the medical field, God doesn't set us aside to wither away when we get old. Some of the greatest ministries start at 80! Sure, we all have a limited number of days on this earth, but whether they are 37 (like a high school friend of mine who died this week) or 79 like my mother-in-law, let's commit to living them all to the glory of God, and watch to see how He intimately intervenes beyond all we ask or think to allow that to continue to happen when the world might give up on us!