Sight for the blind

My recent trip to my sister's place in breathtaking Puerto Galera gave me the opportunity to do something special for my brother-in-law. He has cataracts and refuses to see an eye doctor or undergo laser surgery. Over breakfast my sister made an intentional pause in the conversation to say something to me. She asked me to "pray over" Michael because his eyesight is failing. My sister believes my prayer has power and I have "the gift."

Sure, I said, I can pray. I agreed to pray for Michael that night. As we left for the next round of resorts that afternoon, I frantically texted friends to pray for me and my brother-in-law. This was my chance to share who Jesus is! I prayed to God for a Scripture verse or passage to share. By the time we got back to prepare for dinner, I settled for the simple but powerful story of the blind beggar in Luke 18:35-43.

After dinner, we gathered around the table for the prayer session. I read the story out loud then explained it like a short devotional talk. The difference was my listeners did not believe in Jesus of the Bible. I focused on what the blind beggar must have felt when he heard that Jesus was coming and when Jesus finally talked to him. The miracle that followed made the beggar and everyone who saw it praise God. All of us laid our hands on Michael and I prayed for his healing. I also prayed that he would experience Jesus in a special way and praise God, too. When I had finished, Michael shed tears and then hugged me tightly in deep emotion. Then he hugged my sister and kissed her. My friend who witnessed everything felt moved, too. I went to sleep that night grateful that the prayer time truly comforted my brother-in-law .

How I wish I could say that Michael got healed after that, but he didn't. He wisely said, "it's a process" and continues to seek natural remedies and cures for his ailment. He follows a strict diet, regularly does breathing exercises and physical work to keep fit. I'm praying that he will keep recalling the story he heard that night and learn to cry out to Jesus just like that blind beggar someday. I'm pretty sure God will hear his prayer and give him much more than physical sight.