I'm blogging at www.melaniedorsey.com . Please join me there.

Sep 14, 2009

DARE TO ASK; DARE TO BELIEVE; DARE TO EXPECT

How is Andrew? I had a question about how Andrew is doing today.
So I just asked him, "Andrew, how are you doing today?"
Andrew says, "I'm fine." That's it. That's all I got!
What I see: The physical and occupational therapists came by this morning and did what they do. Then they helped him out of bed to use the bathroom. That's when they were happy with the strength he had in his left leg. He does need help, of course, but we're happy with his progress after Friday's surgery.
The surgeon, Dr. Pincus, visited Andrew this morning and he is also happy with what he is seeing. He showed my husband the MRI from Thursday that we brought with us and the one taken Saturday morning after surgery. I just didn't want to see it.
My husband said the two scans were like night and day. Dr. Pincus feels there is about 20% of the mass left.
Dr. Amy Smith talked to us this afternoon and wants us to plan to be back Monday or Tuesday. She is reviewing the pathology report of the tumor that was removed and will call us tomorrow. Dr. Pincus thinks there is a possibility that the tumor is a different type than what was originally diagnosed. I have purposefully not given the type of tumor here because I don't want you to "research" it. Sometimes finding out what is known about certain types of cancer can be very discouraging. Right now I can't afford for you or me to be discouraged. It's not that we're putting our heads in the sand.
Dr. Amy and I talked Sunday afternoon and she layed everything out for me. My reply, "Only God knows the number of our days and we trust Him. We're going with God."
She told me that some people come in and are in such denial that they don't make good decisions. She also added that she doesn't see that we are doing that. She said that was proven Friday.
God has given us opportunities to share where we stand and who we are looking to.
We are seldom met with opposition. And on some occasions we are cheered on and even get an "Amen!"


What would you say is the biggest hindrance to Christians (the BELIEVERS) in asking God for the REALLY BIG STUFF as they pray? Most Christians, I would assume, believe in the power of prayer and have faith at least the size of a grain of mustard seed.
I believe the answer to why we back up in our faith when we need a miracle is because we have been disappointed in the past when we've prayed in faith believing and haven't received our answer to prayer.
Now I know what you're thinking. Sometimes the answer is, "No" or "Wait." I get that. But we are in a position now where we WANT, NEED and EXPECT a miracle of Great proportions.
Dare we ask for Andrew to be 100% restored? YOU HAD BETTER BELIEVE WE DARE TO ASK FOR THAT. If we are going With God on this, then why not ASK FOR ALL HE CAN DO?


I have been thinking about the biblical examples of Jesus healing people when He walked this earth. The woman who had been bleeding for 12 years aggressively moved through the crowd encircling Jesus and she touched the hem of His robe. She said to herself, "If I can but touch the hem of His garment, I shall be made whole." She didn't even ask Jesus to heal her. In fact, Jesus asked, "Who touched me?" Her persistence in faith appropriated the healing virtue resident in Him. (Mark 5)

The blind man heard the approach of Jesus and cried out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" The crowd tried to silence him. But the Bible says in response to them, "He cried out all the more."
"Son of David, have MERCY on me."
Now this is the part I like. Even before Jesus healed blind Bartimaeus, the passage in Mark 10 records, "And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus."

What I see from that passage is that the blind man was making a statement. A bold statement. Before he even had his miracle of healing, he was giving up the identity associated with a blind beggar. The poor and the sick wore garments identifying their status. They held out cupped hands hoping to receive the charity of passersby.
Baritmaeus was so SURE that Jesus would heal him that he didn't wait until his eyes COULD see again to discard the "label of a diagnosis."
And Jesus asked Bartmaeus, "What do you want Me to do for you?"

There was a lame man who lay by the pool of Bethesda (John 5). Many lay there waiting for an angel to come down and stir the water. The "first man in" was the fortunate recipient of healing. Bethesda had five porches. The number "5" is representative of "grace" and the Hebrew word from which "Beth" is derived means "house." Jesus, present in the House of Grace, walked by the man and asked him, "Do you want to be made well?"
Notice the lame man didn't really answer the question. He gave an explanation as to why he could not receive healing. His answer, "I have no man..."
In other words, he was in need of assistance. What he didn't realize is that in getting the attention of Jesus, he didn't need a "man" because THE MAN was at his side. There was no longer a need to wait on someone else to intervene and help him beat the rush on a miracle available to one person at a time.

I'll share more later. I need to help Andrew with his breakfast now. But know that I will be praying for all of you who gave me your requests. Some need a deliverance from fear, panic and anxiety. Others have asked for prayer regarding illness, including cancer. There is a precious five year old girl who has been recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. Her name is Kate. Then there is the beautiful high school girl named Rachel who needs a miracle, too! And my new blog friend battling ovarian cancer and then there is Peggy also diagnosed with cancer (lung).
There is Clint P.'s father in renal failure.
And also the "other Andrew" wherever he may be who needs a miracle.
God can HEAL ALL. Let's ask in faith, believing that we have entered into A SEASON OF MIRACLES. Have you caught the scent of healing on the wind? I have.
Love you all!
Melanie

46 comments:

  1. I've caught the scent of The Season of Miracles. I'm standing with you. The report of the Lord says "By His Stripes, we ARE healed"! Amen.

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  2. Asking for all HE can do. Trusting He hears and answers according to His plan and purpose. He will be glorified!

    Praying for your Andrew. And adding more people to the list of "need a miracle."

    Thank you for your faith.

    Love you and yours,

    Tiffany

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  4. We must have BOLD faith today! Having done all, STAND!
    Believing with you,
    Love, Joy

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  5. I believe in miracles and definitely believe God still performs them today. I loved this post and loved being reminded of all the miracles Jesus did.
    Praying for all of these requests that have been mentioned and the many other needs out there.
    Have a blessed day Melanie!
    Love,
    Valerie

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  6. Starting the week KNOWING we are a blessed people to pray to a REAL God and come and lay VERY REAL NEEDS and situations down to Him.

    Dear Jesus continue Your presence with this family, continue to lavish upon them Your peace, Your contentment...for Your mighty hand is working this miracle...and though we don't understand timing or even the situation...fill us all with the faith and strength to hold tight to Your hand knowing You have ONLY the BEST for Your children. Hug Andrew tight and whisper to His heart just how much You love him...set him complete free and comfortable in You today! We love You Lord-Amen

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  7. God is so good and so loving and so powerful!
    I know He is able to heal your Andrew completely, and I pray He will do it.
    Thank you for writing out your experiences and thoughts on this journey. Your testimony gives glory to God, and I am thankful to read it.
    Continuing to pray and believe.

    Love you!

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  8. Amen. Because of her faith, she was healed.
    [Jesus] said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." Mark 5:34

    I love visiting your blog. You give us such awesome inspiration. Thank you.
    Blessings,
    Sandra

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  9. Youare teaching & I am learning! Know that. The first paragraph is me. I have things in my life that I don't pray about for fear of the "NO." I've gotten the "NO" before, and so I cannot pray for these things, because they make my faith weak.

    Your example making my faith strong. Keep leading, sister!

    Praying for Andrew.

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  10. I so agree with Kelly's comment. Thank you for sharing your incredible faith with us! Walking in faith and trust with you!! Give Andrew a hug for me!
    Love ya,
    susan

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  11. Yes, I love this post. You, and your beautiful faith bless my heart and soul sweet sis. I can smell the scent of healing in the air, and our season of miracles has only just begun.

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  12. Melanie, I Have caught the scent of miracles. God will restore Andrew. In our darkest hour, Blessed be the Lord!
    Another prayer request....my son-in-law Eric. He is having head issues, dizziness/headache/pressure/fainting...He is a nurse anesthetist and should know better than to self diagnose...he has had all kinds of test...nothing yet....Had an MRI on Friday...praying for a clear report...he is father to three with one on the way..my daughter is beside herself with worry. We need a diagnosis so he can work on that instead of thinking of impending doom...
    thank you Melanie....

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  13. Good Morning Melanie,

    I sat down this morning and asked the Lord for what I see as 'big' things this morning. (They are all easy for Him.) A request on Andrew's behalf was 1st on my pressing thoughts to give to the Lord.
    I was thinking about healing the other day. My thoughts were on the 10 men with leprosy. They were cleansed as they walked. One returned and threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked Him. Jesus told him,'your faith has made you well.' Luke 17:11-17
    I pray Andrew has a good day and is feeling stronger. Hoping he can see Ted soon! Keep walking by faith Melanie. Jesus will open your eyes and reveal Himself to you just like He did on the walk to Emmaus. He is traveling with you. Love, Barbara

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  14. Hi Melanie,

    Thank you for sharing these accounts of Jesus' healings. I never get tired of hearing them! I always pray to God with all of the faith I can muster, which is quite a lot! My dear friend Kenlie who I asked you to pray for has not suffered one night of fear since she asked me to begin praying, so I thank you for your help with that as well!

    May God continue to work miracles in the lives of all you have mentioned. I will add them all to my prayer list!

    God bless you all in your continued healing with Andrew!

    We don't dare ask, we dare NOT to ask! We have a God that loves us and wants us to be well, He needs to know!

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  15. Lovely written post Melanie ... but how is Andrew today please. TY
    TTFN ~Marydon

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  16. Yes, I still believe!!!! Continuing to lift up Andrew and others. Yes, yes, yes, the scent of healing on the wind!

    Love and (((hugs)))

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  17. OH
    MY
    WORD!!

    you have no idea how God has used you yet again this morning. in the middle of the night i wrote a post (you are mentioned) about not praying any more for my miracle. now i come here and read!!

    what i want is for my ex-husband to really come to know Jesus and for our family to be restored. but humanly speaking there is so much in the way that i have stopped even thinking it is possible. so as God has used Andrew's story in my life, i am choosing to ask God to help me overcome my unbelief.

    love ya, melanie! praying for andrew today and his continued healing!!

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  18. I am waiting with you for Andrew's miracle...well, he already is a miracle! I always love when the doctor's are so eagar to tell you there is no cure. I am still hoping and waiting for mine. In the meantime...I draw strength from the Lord for each passing day.
    I hope my friend, you are getting some rest. I KNOW firsthand how much a caretaker gives of themselves. Talk to you soon and praying everyday....

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  19. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 2 Tim 1:6

    Wow, talk about fanning our flames, getting us ALL filled with faith!

    Just amazing, you are!

    I left a message on Kate's site and told the family you have asked for prayer for their daughter.

    How touching...

    Believing and giving thanks for what God has done and WILL do!!

    Blessings my sweet friend♥

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  20. Praying, praying and praying for a miracle and Andrew's total healing.
    I've added your button to my blog:
    http://madredetresbebs.blogspot.com/ (Holy Mothering).

    God bless you and your family and sweet Andrew--I also pray to our Mother Mary who certainly relates to your pain to intercede with her son.

    Blessings and Prayers,
    Lara
    http://madredetresbebs.blogspot.com/

    Blog is called Holy Mothering

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  21. Hi Melanie,
    I got your site from an internet friend who met you in the hospital. I am so sorry that Andrew has a brain tumor. I'll be praying that he is fully healed.
    My son, Isaac, is 10 years old and has brain and spinal tumors. He is 2 months into chemo after having been stable for over 2 years. He is doing great though and it is such a blessing.
    Keep the faith!
    With Hope,
    Karen
    www.caringbridge.org/visit/isaachatfield

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  22. I've been off line today but came on to check on Andrew. I'm encouraged in your message.

    My prayers remain for him.

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  23. You are such an encouragement to us, Melanie. Still praying!

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  24. TYSM for getting back to my question as I like to know how prayers are working & know the successes. I am so happy things seem to be better than expected. Give Andrew a big hug. TTFN ~ Marydon

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  25. Sometimes finding out what is known about certain types of cancer can be very discouraging. Right now I can't afford for you or me to be discouraged. It's not that we're putting our heads in the sand.
    AMEN AMEN AMEN

    I have purposefully not given the type of tumor here because I don't want you to "research" it.
    AMEN AMEN AMEN again girl. I know a few friends that have done this and I tell them, STOP...stop the madness!!All those 'what if's', those foreboding thoughts are NOT how a child of God should be walking.

    Dare we ask for Andrew to be 100% restored? YOU HAD BETTER BELIEVE WE DARE TO ASK FOR THAT. If we are going With God on this, then why not ASK FOR ALL HE CAN DO?
    AMEN AMEN AMEN AGAIN!!

    I have discussed this with the ladies at my bible study:I believe the answer to why we back up in our faith when we need a miracle is because we have been disappointed in the past when we've prayed in faith believing and haven't received our answer to prayer.

    I have even had one lady say,,'well what about last time, what about, what about'..

    Thank you for the update and sharing how with man it is impossible, but with God ALL things are possible. This truly has been a journey where God has lead each step to displaying His power and glory revealed through Andrew!!

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  26. Sunday morning I stood before my Sunday School class and gave God the Glory and Praise for touching Andrew! They shouted Praise and Thanks to our God!!! We serve an awesome God. This experience will bring Him honor and praise and Andrews testimony will be strong as will your faith Mel. God is real, His word tells us Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. God has you Mel, your baby boy and your husband and your entire family. You are safe and He will keep all of His promises! You have been heard. May God's blessings continue to surround all of you!!
    So many of your Christian family members are praying and believing God, continue to stand on your faith sister.
    Love Lilly

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  27. Amen!! Thank you for the wonderful report. Yahoo!!!! High fives and Holy (((hugs))) as we celebrate under His wings.

    Dear Lord,

    We praise you for the work you've done in Andrew. Thank you Lord for the surgery and his new doctors. I pray for a good report when it comes to the "type of tumor" Andrew is dealing with now. I pray that you would dissolve what remains of the tumor and restore Andrew's strength in his left side. Please bless Melanie and the rest of Andrew's family with an added dose of strength and help as they care for Andrew. I do believe in You and your wonder working power Lord. I'm praising you again. I love you Lord. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

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  28. Hi Melanie,
    My husband (a pastor) sat down to dinner tonight and was telling me about a conversation he just had with his sister (a nurse). She had just told him about a boy who she took care of Friday night at Shands.
    As he's telling me this story, I interrupted him and said, "Is his name Andrew?" His eyes bugged out of his head and he said, "Yeah, how'd you know?" I told him that I heard about Andrew this weekend and have been praying for him. I told him about how I heard his story thru Sandy at God Speaks Today and had left a comment on your blog the other day telling you that I was praying for him.
    When my husband first heard this story from his sister, Jenny, he stopped her in mid conversation and was stirred with faith to pray for Andrew.
    We just called Jenny and she freaked out when he told her and she asked for your blog address.
    Btw, my husband had no idea that I knew about Andrew and had also been praying for him.
    Just thought that would encourage you. If you connect the dots, we're in NC, Sandy is in KY and my sister in law is in FL and hasn't worked the night shift for 9 months until the other night when she took care of your sweet Skate Boy. That's pretty amazing. GO GOD!

    Still believing,
    Jessica at The Chubby Dove

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  29. Thanks for the update sweetie, prayers never ending. I love you.

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  30. Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go... Joshua 1:9

    Believe in the miracle of Andrew's healing as our God is a capable God. I am a miracle - 50 years ago I was the first child to live at Mercy Hospital, who had spinal meningitis. The doctors told my mother that it was out of their hands. They could not explain why I lived as they were sure I would die. My mother told them why I lived - because of all of the prayers that were said for me and over me. I am pryaing and believing in the same miracle for Andrew. May God bless you and your family.

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  31. Mel....I had to write you and tell you that I got a chuckle out of your update. When I got diagnosed...everyone, and I mean everyone felt they needed to tell me my prognosis, what I should do, what I should eat...etc. I told them and my doctor, I am on a NEED TO KNOW BASIS....do not tell me what might happen someday down the road. I have enough to think about for NOW...hmmm, sounds like a Bible verse, doesn't it?
    Sounds like you have found a fantastic doctor. Glad Andrew is doing so well. Please tell him, that old lady said HI!!!

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  32. Tonight I'm praising God for the strength I hear in your words. I just love your posture, Melanie!

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  33. I love to read the miracles of Jesus, and he is still healing today.
    Bless you for praying for others. Believing God for a miracle for Andrew ~

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  34. I'm so glad that you have God with you on this journey. I'm praying for miracles. laurie

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  35. Melanie, I'm believing with you for all that God can do! Your words rung true for me. My husband and my daughter each have a non treatable condition, and I've prayed for healing for over 40 years, but no healing. I have not and will stop praying for that miracle. Whether it comes or not, my faith and trust in the Lord's decision will not falter. He alone knows His purposes, and ours is a day to day walk, for we know not what tomorrow may bring. Your understanding and perspective, as well as your faith, is in itself glorifies the Lord. He is the great I AM, regardless of what happens here on earth. We continue to hold Andrew up to the Lord for that miracle. God bless you and Andrew, and all of your family. Love you...Mary

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  36. I am still lifting little Andrew before our Father. Blessings to you and your sweet family.

    Smiles...

    Beverly

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  37. Thoughts of your family this morning in my prayer time...

    peace~elaine

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  38. Every time I open your page, a different word or thought comes to mind. See YOU and andrew are feeding me. Your faith, your strength, it’s amazing. Do these words help at all?

    This afternoon this is what came to me: “God loves Andrew for who he is and who he WILL be.”

    Thinking of you, andrew, your family. God bless you, abundantly, extravagantly, and demonstratively. All love.

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  39. Melanie, I come from Sheryl's blog/post. My mind seems without words. Such encouragement from your post. I wanted to keep saying Amen after each thing you said. Yes, we are to approach His throne asking for the mighty of mighty to be done. Why would we ask for anything less? We know He can do it. With asking for the great things, we asking knowing He may choose not to. It seems I have preached and preached this point to so many (not meaning to preach). But, I am so passionate about asking God for what our flesh sees as impossible. I stand with you believing in God's power to fully heal Andrew. I believe He expects nothing less than for us to ask for it all. Go for the gusto. Lay it all on His throne, believing and dare I say anticipating He fulfilment. I've been asking, believing and praying for my own impossible for two years: marriage restoration. For a Christian man that shows NO interest and ability to communicate with me at all...yes, for that man to be full restored to God and the deceit removed from his heart and mind.

    I am so encouraged by your post. I love that you choose not to share the type of cancer. We as humans would search it and that would bring doubt into our hearts. The more details of the reports of "this" cancer satan uses to put doubt in us. When really, the worse the situation, that is even greater opportunity for God to shine His glory and provide an even bigger miracle. Remember, Jesus did not want to heal a sick man. He wanted to raise a dead man.

    I love all the stories of healing and faith...the association between believing and receiving. One of my favorite posts is on this. I'll forward it to you.

    I have my favorite quote on my blog side bar: Impossible odds set the stage for amazing miracles.

    In Him,
    Paula

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  40. Link to: Master's Touch, Our Faith.
    Hope you enjoy.

    http://hisways-isaiah558.blogspot.com/2008/07/masters-touch-our-faith.html

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  41. Melanie, I feel sort of presumptuous contacting you about this, since I am a new reader of your blog. I also know that you are very busy, so if you can't or would rather not respond, I'll understand. I was just thinking that it might be fun for Andrew to receive a lot of get well cards. I wondered if you have a P.O. Box address for your home or business that you wouldn't mind sharing, so that all of us who are praying for him could also send him cards. Please don't worry about getting back to me if you'd rather not share this information. I will still be praying for all of you and especially for God's miracle. laurie

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  42. Melanie, I feel sort of presumptuous contacting you about this, since I am a new reader of your blog. I also know that you are very busy, so if you can't or would rather not respond, I'll understand. I was just thinking that it might be fun for Andrew to receive a lot of get well cards. I wondered if you have a P.O. Box address for your home or business that you wouldn't mind sharing, so that all of us who are praying for him could also send him cards. Please don't worry about getting back to me if you'd rather not share this information. I will still be praying for all of you and especially for God's miracle. laurie

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  43. Melanie, I have chills upon chills after reading your post. What keeps coming to my mind is that nothing is too difficult for God, and I am so thankful for that. Oh, He is still in the business of doing what the world sees as impossible. He sets the very stage for His glory to be displayed in such a way that man can only say, "That was God!" I'm rejoicing in your news and continuing to lift all of you up in prayer. Thank you for adding Rachel to your prayer list and for your prayers on her behalf too. I'm looking forward to continued days that we can share the mighty, mighty things that God has done and is continuing to do for our children!

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  44. I love you sweet sis, andrew remains very much in my prayers.

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  45. I loved this post, Sister! I believe we stop believing when we stop looking to Jesus and at His example's from the Bible. When we take our eyes off of Him and begin to look at others or our own past experiences - that's when things get muddy.

    So keep looking up and only at JESUS who is our great physician and our healer!

    In the name of Jesus, we pray for 100% healing of Andrew! Amen!!

    Believing for miracles,
    Sonya Lee

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