Alvin

Am pondering the fact that the power that raised Jesus from the grave has been made available to me.I went to the Infirmary yesterday. Alvin is a personal favorite of mine, who has been in the Infirmary for 20+ years, bedridden. He always is sunny, ready with a smile and a "you look marvelous today Lisa!" That always makes me laugh out loud! He loves to talk , encourage, and is a very bright man. I noticed the last time he had a rag over his face, and thought, he's asleep and doesn't want to be disturbed. I went yesterday then and the rag is still over his face. I asked him if he was alright. He said, no...I'm in horrible pain. I'm constipated, and the medicine they give me isn't working, and they aren't giving me anything else. I prayed for him, for God to remove the pain, and told him I would talk with someone and see what could be done. I told Marla, and she said Alvin has bowel cancer. So most likely, he has a blockage, that will not be relieved, he is not a candidate for surgery here as Jamaica has socialized medicine. Americans take note of that. Anyway, there is no pain medication either, so Alvin will lie there and suffer a terrible death it seems. I have struggled with my faith in the area of healing. 2 of my good friends were prayed for in total sincerity and belief and both died. Not very pleasantly I might add. I know the confidence must be in God and in my relationship with Him, but this is just something I struggle with still....praying in faith for the sick. And frankly....I don't pray that he be healed of cancer. For what? To lay there in a filthy bed another 20 years? God forbid. But just that his pain be relieved. I just don't think such suffering is his portion. I asked Pastor Watson if he goes up there, because the boys sometimes come up and help us. He agreed to take the "God Squad" as I have dubbed them and go pray for Alvin. I'm so relieved, and so grateful. I have every confidence God will work through them, because it happens all the time with these guys, such is their faith. If you read this...please lift up Alvin to his Father.....that the Lord will draw near and pour out His love and encounter Alvin in a new way...that he know he isn't abandoned. And that his pain be removed that he might pass peacefully from this life to his real home. Not a filthy bed...no longer bedridden...seated at the banqueting table with his Lord. Jesus...look upon Alvin and touch his poor body. Please take his pain away that he may not suffer more in this life, but come home in peace. In Jesus name. Amen.