Lord, Hear Our Prayers For The Sowles Family

A family I know lost a loved one last night. Her name was Lindsey Sowles and she was just 21 years-old and her body gave in to that terrible disease called cancer. I wrote of her last week and continued praying for a miracle right up until the end. I fully expected God to heal her and I am glad I prayed in that regard all the way to the end.

For whatever reason that I can't explain right now, the Lord had me there last night. I got the call to go and help lead in prayer for a last minute miracle from the Lord, but when I arrived I found myself mostly silent. I was blessed to be there as I witnessed an incredible family led by Lindsey's dad, Steve, who really put meaning to "faith in action."

But I know my prayers for the Sowles family does not end with the death of Lindsey. Instead I have to step them up even more. I have a daughter and a son and I can't even imagine the anguish of what it must be like to go through an ordeal like this. As I sat in Lindsey's room, I found myself just in awe of Steve has he epitomized what a spiritual leader in the home looks like. He was a tremendous source of comfort for his family and I know it was something I would never forget.

Lindsey's mom, Debbie has the joy of the Lord shining on her face every time I see her. Even in this trial, she greeted me with a warm hug and a big smile and was quick to share the wonderful God stories that had gone on the past three months.

Moments like this undoubtedly bring out the questions to God of why does this happen and especially to someone so young, but I found myself in the car on the way home reflecting and thinking about my own family and praising God for them. I thanked Him for the love they show me everyday and how they make me want to be a better husband, father and person.

As I got in my truck for the ride home, I immediately set my Ipod in the car to the worship song, "Amazed" and set the controls to repeat as I just worshipped over and over to the God of the Universe who is so amazing that He desires a personal relationship with all of us. His love is so wide, so deep and so great that we can't even comprehend it. As hard as it is to believe, but God loved Lindsey more than her family did and we rejoice today that she is fully healed and cancer free and beginning life in eternity with Him today.

The Lord knew it was time for me to move on and suddenly the "repeat" setting was gone and the next song came on and it was "Amazing Grace (His Chains Are Broken)" by Chris Tomlin. I wept through the entire song as each lyric in the song ministered to my heart. God has a way of doing that.

For those of you who know the Sowles family and even if you don't, pray for their strength and their healing. It will be especially tough in the days and weeks ahead for Steve and Debbie and their kids Aaron and Heather as well as Lindsey's fiance, John. Also, remember to cherish your loved one's just a little bit more, hug them a little tighter and appreciate everyday the Lord gives us because we truly do not know how long we have here.

I praise you today Lord for the Sowles family and may you hold them tight in your arms as they grieve over their beloved Lindsey. Amen.