In Others’ Words: Prayer, Not the Court of Last Resort (Guest Post by Edie Melson)

“So here is what I say to you. Ask, and it will be given to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.” Luke 11:9

I’m a doer.

If I see something that needs fixing, I’m the one rolling up her sleeves to make it happen. I don’t like sitting around waiting. Our oldest son’s decision to go straight from high school to Marine Corps boot camp and then on to Iraq as a frontline infantry Marine changed all that.

I went from being an active, involved mom, there when my son needed me, to feeling utterly helpless. Events came at us at the speed of light and we didn’t even have the ability to get out of the way. I watched as he left for parts unknown, knowing every day there would put his life at risk.

I don’t cope well with this state of helplessness. But life with a loved one in the military is categorized by waiting, and that frustrates me beyond belief. It was during those times that I was frequently known to complain that all I could do was pray.

For me, prayer was the court of last resort. It was the place I turned when I ran out of things to do.

Our son’s deployments taught me that this couldn’t be further from the truth. Prayer is not an afterthought activity.

God showed me that prayer is powerfully active. He never intended it as a last resort. As I was forced to spend more time pouring my fears and stresses out to him, He showed me the peace that can only come from an active relationship with him. More than that, he showed me how my prayers could affect my Marine Corps son.

As I sat at home, praying, God showed me how He was a God of action, taking those prayers and moving in a powerful way. He provided my son with protection, comrades to keep him from loneliness, and the wisdom and spiritual insight to anticipate and avoid danger.

Even though my son is out of the military and once again home safe, I no longer refer to prayer as an afterthought. No matter the situation, it’s the first thing on my to-do list.

#Prayer is not the court of last resort – from former military mom @EdieMelson on @BethVogt…
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While My Soldier Serves

by Edie Melson

Thousands of families send loved ones off to fight on a daily basis. These families spend a lot of time living in a world out of control. This kind of stress can take an incredible toll, but there is hope. When we feel helpless, we can take our fears to the One who loves us more than anything and holds the universe in His hands.

In this book you’ll find the words to usher you into His presence. These prayers are a place to visit again and again as you take your own fears to God. They’re just a starting point, written to help you find your own voice as you call out on behalf of the one you love.

 

 

BIO:

As the mother of a frontline infantry Marine, Edie Melson lived this book before she wrote it. Edie understands what it is to face adversity and come out triumphant on the other side. Her years as a wife, mother, and ministry leader have given her a unique perspective to reach out
to others facing the same struggles.
She’s the Military Family Blogger for Guideposts.org, social media director for several writing websites, and a popular ministry and conference speaker. Connect with her on her blog, The Write Conversation, Twitter, and Facebook.