Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer” (Romans 12:12).
I admire people who seem to overcome the challenges in life by serving God with all their heart. I think of Fanny Crosby, who was blind but still wrote hundreds of hymns that are still favorites over a century later. She was blind, yet lived a very satisfying life as she served the Lord.
Then there’s Terry James, who is also blind. He loves the Lord and is a very prolific author. He also speaks at prophecy conferences and is Todd’s partner at Rapture Ready.
I also admired my husband, Ron, and I watched him grow stronger in his faith as his health failed. He had a neuro-muscular disease, and his muscles just wouldn’t work. He couldn’t hold his eyelids up, so when he studied Scripture or typed his commentaries, one hand would hold his eyelids up while the other typed.
“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing” (Psalm 100:2).
Another man who was able to overcome the challenges of blindness was William W. Walford. He was born in 1772 and became a preacher. Although he was blind, it is said that he never misquoted Scripture and his sermons were inspiring and to the point. He also wrote one of the most touching hymns ever written. As my own eyesight is failing and other troubles that come with age set in, I’m grateful for the inspiration of people who have faced challenges in life but glorify God in spite of it all.
SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER
By William W. Walford (1772-1850)
Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!
We all have troubles and challenges in life. Too often, we think that once we give our life to Jesus, life will be easy. Not so. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
The words to Sweet Hour of Prayer seem to come from the heart of a man who spent much time in prayer. Did Mr. Walford pray for healing of his eyes? Did he pray for members of his congregation? Maybe he prayed for guidance in his walk with the Lord. Like all of us, he faced times of great distress and grief in life, as well as temptations. It was prayer… talking with God…where he found peace.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6).
Do you know that when you pray, you come before Jesus? Your prayers do rise above the ceiling and to God. If you think about it, that’s very humbling. You can talk to Jesus about everything, and He will hear. He will answer your prayer, but you need to accept His answer. He won’t give you something that will cause you harm or lead you away from Him.
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). What a blessing that is!
www.raptureready.com
I admire people who seem to overcome the challenges in life by serving God with all their heart. I think of Fanny Crosby, who was blind but still wrote hundreds of hymns that are still favorites over a century later. She was blind, yet lived a very satisfying life as she served the Lord.
Then there’s Terry James, who is also blind. He loves the Lord and is a very prolific author. He also speaks at prophecy conferences and is Todd’s partner at Rapture Ready.
I also admired my husband, Ron, and I watched him grow stronger in his faith as his health failed. He had a neuro-muscular disease, and his muscles just wouldn’t work. He couldn’t hold his eyelids up, so when he studied Scripture or typed his commentaries, one hand would hold his eyelids up while the other typed.
“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing” (Psalm 100:2).
Another man who was able to overcome the challenges of blindness was William W. Walford. He was born in 1772 and became a preacher. Although he was blind, it is said that he never misquoted Scripture and his sermons were inspiring and to the point. He also wrote one of the most touching hymns ever written. As my own eyesight is failing and other troubles that come with age set in, I’m grateful for the inspiration of people who have faced challenges in life but glorify God in spite of it all.
SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER
By William W. Walford (1772-1850)
Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!
We all have troubles and challenges in life. Too often, we think that once we give our life to Jesus, life will be easy. Not so. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
The words to Sweet Hour of Prayer seem to come from the heart of a man who spent much time in prayer. Did Mr. Walford pray for healing of his eyes? Did he pray for members of his congregation? Maybe he prayed for guidance in his walk with the Lord. Like all of us, he faced times of great distress and grief in life, as well as temptations. It was prayer… talking with God…where he found peace.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6).
Do you know that when you pray, you come before Jesus? Your prayers do rise above the ceiling and to God. If you think about it, that’s very humbling. You can talk to Jesus about everything, and He will hear. He will answer your prayer, but you need to accept His answer. He won’t give you something that will cause you harm or lead you away from Him.
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). What a blessing that is!
Prayer :: By Nathele Graham
“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer” (Romans 12:12). I admire people who seem to overcome the challenges in life by
www.raptureready.com
