A call to prayer

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” – Lamentations 3:22-24

We recently switched Internet providers, and during the process of the switch Internet provider #1 cut our service about 24 hours before they were supposed to. This really irritated me because I’m at home all day, and we like to use Netflix and check e-mail and look up whether or not Jessica Biel is older than me (she is) at my leisure. Tom was irritated because he had worked really hard to make sure there wouldn’t be a cessation of service so that he could avoid that annoyed look I like to give him when my Instagram usage is interrupted. I realize that 24 hours isn’t that long; I decided to get over it and pretend it was 2013, back when I didn’t have an iPhone.

This hiccup in service wasn’t convenient, but it was helpful. It was helpful because whenever I had a quiet moment, instead of checking my e-mail again, I prayed for my friend.

Would you join me? My dear friends Jessi and Nic have three kids. Their youngest, Sarah, needs prayer.

Sarah is Mary Virginia’s age. Here are the two mischievous girls sneaking watermelon at Sarah’s first birthday this summer.

Last Tuesday morning, Jessi found sweet Sarah in her crib having a seizure. Sarah has no prior history of seizures. Initially, doctors hoped the episode was simply febrile seizures, but the seizures continued for eight days despite high doses of medication. After more than a week of long days and nights in the PICU, Sarah is recovering, but she needs prayer.

So much is still unknown. Nic and Jessi are awaiting results of genetic testing, and waiting for Sarah to be well enough to leave the hospital. Friends and relatives are caring for their two older children, and they are all waiting to resume normal, busy, mundane, joyful life. Much is unknown, but we do know some things for sure — God loves Sarah and her family, and He is in control. Prayer is powerful, it is effective, and it is what we are called to do.

I’ve asked Jessi and Nic several times in the past week how Tom and I can help. They’re always clear — they are grateful for continued, fervent prayer for their baby girl. Many people who are reading this already know and are praying for this family, but many do not. I ask all of you to pray for Sarah. Not the way people often do — the way I often do — you hear a need, agree to pray, then feel sad for a bit and go make dinner. Please, stop what you’re doing, take a moment right now, bow your head and ask the God of the universe to heal Sarah and care for her family.

Pray that Jessi and Nic will be encouraged and strengthened by the truth that God is at work.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

For more details about Sarah’s condition and updates on her progress, visit her CaringBridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/sarahbvonbank

To help the VonBank family with medical expenses: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-sarah-von-bank/294887

To make or send a meal: http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=AWNM3390