"I will hang on to your promise...there's a rest in the vine, there's a place in abiding in the vine" Sean Feucht, 'There's a rest'
It's been overwhelming and wonderful how many people pray for John. I am just amazed how many people walk beside us in faith. Our good friend, Ethan is one those faithful ones. He has not only been praying for John but encouraging others, many who do not know John to pray also. He took us aside when we were in Pittsburgh and said "I want you to know I don't pray for John because I want God to use me to heal him; although that would be great! I pray because when I see you something happens in my heart and I know God wants to do something" The compassion in his eyes as he spoke moved me (Amanda) deeply; it wasn't pity, it was compassion; it was him joining with our hearts as we long to see John fully restored.
I highlight Ethan (Hope you don't mind friend) but so many of you have touched us in similar ways. Thank you.
I can say through these last months John and I have grown so much closer to Jesus than ever before, there are parts of His character we may not have seen had it not been for our struggles. God has been healing our hearts; drawing us nearer to him in trust and intimacy.
While traveling we took a week to attend our annual north east YWAM conference. Our speaker was a man called Paul Hawkins. His message was so simple and yet so profound. How we need a revelation of God's character in our lives! How we would live our lives differently if we fully trusted His goodness and faithfulness.
I had such wonderful times in God's presence that week. Just being able to focus entirely on Him every day was so sweet.
At the end of the week John was playing his saxophone in worship when people began to pray for him. So many of our dear friends poured their hearts out to God in prayer for John; many tears being shed. One lady said to John that God was going to "renew his mind", others prophesied that he "would walk, leap and praise the Lord" and a good friend sensed that God said "he was going to do it". And so we hold these words close; knowing they could mean so many things. We simply pray that God would have His will.
We go back to see the doctor before Christmas; pray for wisdom. For now John remains the same; good and bad days but still being able to move around pretty well.
We know this is a season and complete restoration is close...However God does it; by a miracle of His touch or using medical science we will give Him the thanks and praise. For He alone is worthy.
