In many conversations that I have had with other believers and pastors over the years, when it comes to terminal illnesses or the lost condition of a loved one, or for that matter any HARD TRIAL, the final word has always been, “All we can do is pray.” And friends, that is the Truth. When men have done everything imaginable by their own puny power, the conclusion is always, “All we can do is pray.” This is the believer’s attitude, because we know that only God can make the difference. Only God can cure the incurable, and change the hearts of unregenerate men and women.

Suppose in the time of our Lord there were two believing parents that had a son. They loved him dearly and desired that he might have a good life and live unto God. But from an early age the boy seemed destined for trouble. He hung with the wrong crowd and he himself was the wrong crowd. All his life he lived a life of crime and dishonesty. It started out with stealing. But the parents continued to pray. Then it escalated into more serious crimes. But the parents continued to pray. Soon, he grew into a man, and did bodily harm to others. Yet the parents continued to pray. Then one day this malefactor went too far and murdered someone. Did the parents give up hope and cease praying? NO, they prayed all the more!

The day of his trial came and he was found guilty, judged and sentenced to be executed. But the parents still prayed, because as long as he still breathed, there was hope that God might have mercy. Yet the son they loved continued to be a rebel even to his final hours. The day of his execution came, and his loving parents were there to watch. The authorities hung him on a cross along side two other men. But still the parents prayed,” Lord have mercy on my son.”