March 20, 2024

This past Sunday I did a message on the power of prayer. I used the text from Luke 18 where Jesus told a parable that was intended to inspire his disciples to “always pray and keep on praying.” That’s not always easy, is it? Sometimes we get discouraged because God’s not answering as quickly or in the manner that we want Him to. Sometimes we lose faith because it seems what we’re praying for is too big or too far gone. But I believe that there is power in prayer. And I believe God is bigger than all the problems we have and all the diseases we may have to deal with. Even if God doesn’t heal us in the way we want to be healed, which is completely and immediately, I believe we need God’s strength, peace, and comfort to endure.
As a part of my message this past Sunday, one of our church members, Eddie Vickers, shared his testimony of God’s sustaining power. A year ago Eddie was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in his liver, his lungs, and his esophagus. The doctors told him that it was incurable and inoperable. They gave Eddie 12-18 months to live. Eddie began chemo treatment for the cancer, but he did something more. He reached out to his church family and friends for prayer support. He shared his diagnosis on Facebook and has had people far and wide lifting him up in prayer. This past week, Eddie had follow-up scans done that showed that some tumors showed no growth, some tumors had shrunk, and some were completely gone! In addition to all of this, Eddie had done wonderfully well through all his treatment and has given him and his wife Donna strength and courage that is absolutely amazing. You can watch Eddie’s testimony and my message on our church Facebook page or by going to shartelchurch.org.
Our passage today reminds us that both disease and devils are no match for our Jesus. I want to encourage you today, no matter what your diagnosis or what demons you may be fighting in your own life, cry out to Jesus. He is your Healer. He is your Strength. He is your Comfort and your Peace. He is The One to whom even diseases and demons must bow. Just ask Eddie Vickers. That’s God’s Word for you today.