PRAYER. It’s a word that stirs up all types of emotions. Some are fearful when called on to pray. There are those who feel they are not very good at praying. Gathering together as a family for devotions and prayer was a regular occurrence in my home when I was growing up. As a teenager, I would get upset when it was time for family prayer.
Either my mother or father would call out, “time for devotions,” around eight p.m. most nights. I would immediately roll my eyes so far back in my head that I was surprised I could still see. Then I’d head toward the room at less-than-a-snail’s pace. My shoulders were slumped, and my lip was out. I wanted my parents to know I was not happy with this prayer time thing. They were interrupting my entertainment or a phone call with my girlfriend. I mean, really? Did we really have to pray every night?
I’m thankful for God’s grace and that my parents put up with my foolishness as I mumbled out the shortest prayers I could think of back then. Over the years, they continued to pray for me with unfailing hope as they witnessed my continued resistance to totally committing my life to God. I mean, I had asked Jesus into my heart at five years old. What else was there?
Fast forward thirty years. I had become a successful sales and marketing consultant who was managing my own marketing team. I was earning a six-figure salary and had won numerous awards as a top producer for the company I worked for. I drove my dream car with a vanity license plate, and I lived down the street from the Dallas Cowboys facility. I would even say a quick prayer on the way to work each morning. Life was good. No; better than good. Life was great! Then on July 1, 2010, everything changed.
I was wheeled out of my office on a gurney. I had no idea what was happening. I had trouble speaking, and my words were slurred. I knew something was wrong as I was raced to the hospital in the ambulance. In the emergency room, there was chaos mixed with expert precision. I tried to scream that I was claustrophobic as they attempted to do a CT scan of my head. I woke up in a hospital room a few days later.
I could not sit up, and my right leg was fastened to the bed to prevent any more blood clotting. I wondered where I was, and my injured brain played tricks on me. I cried out for help. A nurse came to the door and said, “You’re awake, I’ll get the doctor.” The doctor stepped into the room and informed me I had suffered a massive stroke, which had paralyzed my entire left side. I could not believe it. I was stunned, devastated. I lay there crying, wondering how this happened to me?
It was a lonely feeling as I lay in ICU. I was haunted by the constant beeping of machines that were monitoring me. When family members visited, they would ask me questions. I couldn’t remember anything. They tried to encourage me but the sadness and concern in their faces was evident. At night, my mind was all over the place; I had dreams ranging from horrific nightmares of the ICU nurse trying to kill me to dreams of relaxing on the beach with the ER nurse. (She looked at me like I was crazy when I told her I remembered her from the beach.)
During all the confusion, I knew one thing for sure. I knew I could pray. I’m thankful God heard my words through all my whimpering as I lay completely still every night. At first, I asked Him if this was really happening and why. When I opened my eyes, the tiles on the ceiling reminded me of my reality.
For if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the Lord, and discover the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:3-5).[1]I was not sure if I was praying to God “correctly,” but I was praying with purpose. I found comfort as I tried to recite Psalm 23 in my head. During those moments of prayer, God revealed to me everything good in my life had come from Him. I knew He was hurt by my foolish pride and sinful behavior. My prayers began to change. I repented and asked God for forgiveness for the sins I had committed. I thanked Him for sparing my life and saving my soul.
I asked Him that He heal my body and allow me to walk again if it was His will. I still had every intention of returning to my successful sales and marketing career, but God had better plans for my life…hallelujah!
God spared my brain from permanent damage, allowing me to read and study His word. He continues to lead me to share my story of transformation as evidence of His AWESOME power. There is power in prayer.
I share my story with you today in hopes of driving this point home: prayer is personal. “Purposeful Prayer is having intimate conversations with almighty God.” (Click to Tweet) God desires to hear from you. You are His child. He loves you, and He wants to know that you love Him.
You may not be lying in a hospital bed as you read this, but God desperately wants to commune with you. Seek Him with purpose. Thank Him for all He has done. Share what is on your heart right now. Nothing is too small or unimportant to talk about with God. He will grant you the wisdom you desire, the strength you need, and the courage to accomplish His will for your life.
You can read more of Horace William’s work at Pleasing to the Potter. While you are there you can connect with him on his social media sites.
Horace Williams Jr. is a stroke survivor and born-again Christian who loves Jesus Christ. He has seen the power of prayer and God’s healing in his own life as he continues to recover from a massive stroke that paralyzed his left side more than six years ago. He wants to inspire, encourage, and remind Christians of the power available to them through prayer. You can get a copy of his new book, Unleash the Power of Prayer in Your Life, by clicking here.
I love and appreciate this honest story or grace, rescue and redemption. I am sure you will touch many lives with your new book. I wish you many blessings on your journey to sharing the message of the gospel and all that Christ has done for you. Thank you again for being here with us, my friend!
Thank you Jaime for the invitation to share my story here at Seeking God. I am humbled that God continued to seek after me, as I was doing my best to run from Him. It is my prayer that all who read the book, will seek God daily and make prayer a priority in their lives. There is nothing more rewarding and more powerful in your life than an intimate relationship with Christ. This can take place through purposeful prayer. Thanks again and may God continue to bless you and yours, friend.
Oh, I just love this, Horace! So open and honest and real! Thank God for what He has done in your life and for how courageously and beautifully you're sharing it with others.
God is so amazing in His timing. My devotion focus this morning was on the centrality of prayer, and now I am so blessed to read your testimony of the awesome power of prayer when prayer is all that we have. Blessings to you, my friend!
Thank you Carlie. I am blessed to read you enjoyed this post. God continues to transform my heart and He is renewing my mind more and more each day. It is my heart's desire that He is glorified in everything thing I do. Have a wonderful week and a fantastic holiday season! Blessings.
What a beautiful testament to God's goodness and grace! Thank you for sharing your story!
Thanks Julie. I'm glad to read you liked the post. So thankful God has allowed me to share my testimony of when Hiss transformation of my life began.
Every time I read your story, I am equally moved, Horace. I'm so grateful that God spared you! Thanking Him now for that.
Thank you Lisa. Every time I write what happened over 6 years ago, it is amazing how vivid the memories are and I have such appreciation that my savior brought me through. I hope to live for Him so that He is glorified. Blessings to you and yours this holiday season!
This story is heart-stopping, but reveals to me the awesome truth that NOTHING is ever wasted in God's economy! Thanks for letting Him make the most of your story!
Amen Michele! I am thankful that God saw something in me that He wants to use for His glory. When I remember what took place all those years ago, it is only by His power and grace that I can now live for Him! Have fantastic weekend and thanks for visiting today. God bless.
Praise God for His plans, Horace, not ours, right? Gosh, I hate that a stroke became part of your story, but I'm thankful God rescued you as redemption. You've shared and written your story well. I praise God He has you right where he does. Keep running the race so well, my friend. You're encouragement to all of us. And Jaime, thank you for sharing your space today.
Thanks Kristi for the visit and your comment. I am thankful that God has allowed me to survive to share my story of transformation. His plans are perfect. Have a blessed holiday season, friend.
Beautiful testimony, Horace, of the power of prayer. First your parents prayers and then your own. It all starts with the act of: "Share what is on your heart right now." Thank you, friend, for sharing your story.
Thank you Crystal for visiting and your encouragement. Yes, my parents were faithful in their prayers for me as I wandered away from God for many years. I am thankful for God's amazing grace as He welcomed me back to Him. I pray that He is glorified in all that I do. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and a blessed holiday season my friend.
What a powerful testimony and encouragement to pray, Horace. Your story always inspires me and I'm grateful God is using you to inspire so many. I just got your book and can't wait to read it!
I am blessed to read you are inspired by my story Ginger.I sometimes think I share it too often but it is a huge part of who I am and how God rescued me from wandering to far from Him. My transformation began on that afternoon of July 1, 2010 and I am thankful that God continues work in my heart while renewing my mind as well. Prayer has been such a huge part of my life since then. I have witnessed God's power in my life as He continues to heal my body as well. Thank you for visiting here today. Have a wonderful weekend and may God bless you and yours as you celebrate our savior's birth this month. Blessings.
Such an amazing story of survival. I think sometimes this is the only way that God can reach us. I am so happy that he spared you and you can share your experience.
Amen Tammy! Sometimes God has to use drastic measures to get our attention and help focus our eyes on Him. I love talking with my Savior now and I am humbled that He has allowed me to share my testimony of transformation. My prayer is that my story is a help and encouragement to all who read. I can think of no better place to be than in the center of his will. Thank you for visiting today and your comment. Have a blessed Sunday and a wonderful Christmas season.