"Daniel, can I sleep in here?" Daisy asked, a bit frightened.
"Sure. I'll get you a pillow," Daniel answered. They both lay there listening to their father groan. They went through this almost every night, never knowing what was going to happen next.
The next day when Daniel and Daisy woke up, Dad was still in bed. "Good morning, kids," Mom said in a tired voice. She sighed as she looked into their bloodshot eyes. "I think you two should go to your grandparents' house for a little while."
"Why? Can't we stay here with you and Dad?" Daisy asked.
"Your father is going through a hard time right now, and I don't want you two to suffer because of it. I called Grandma and talked it over with your father, and everything is all arranged. Let's eat our breakfast and then we'll start packing your things."
Soon the two children were at their grandparents' house. "Would anyone like a sandwich?" Grandma asked after Mom's car had pulled away.
"No, thanks," Daniel mumbled.
Daisy began to cry. "What's wrong with my daddy?" she asked quietly.
Grandpa sat down beside Daisy and hugged her. "Well, darling, when your dad was in the army, he saw a lot of terrible things, the kinds of things nobody should have to see. Many war veterans have nightmares long after they've come home. That's what your father is experiencing right now. During the day he's at home with his wonderful family, but at night, when he falls asleep, it's just like he's back in combat."
"How can we help him?" Daniel asked.
Grandpa smiled. "We can do the most powerful thing of all to help your dad--we can pray for him. Let's do that right now." They all bowed their heads and prayed.
"I feel better now," Daisy said after they had finished.
"Me too," said Daniel.
"Kids, never underestimate the power of prayer," Grandpa said. "I know God heard us, and I know He's going to help your dad. Prayer changes things--even if it's not in the way we ask. When we place our problems in Jesus' hands, it brings us peace and reminds us of His promise to one day end all our suffering. Let's trust Him to help your dad." Elena Ketner
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever wondered how praying helps? Do you ever feel like prayer never changes anything? It may not always feel like it, but prayer does help! Even if God’s answer isn’t yes, praying will help you remember His love for you and feel His peace. When the Bible tells us to “pray without ceasing,” that just shows how much He cares for us!
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)
Pray without ceasing. (NKJV)