What Can I Say?

We've all be there, right? In a place where we are desperately seeking for some kind of magic words to bring comfort to someone in pain. But, more times than not, there's not a lot we can say that hasn't already been said. There's not a lot we can say that aren't just words.

I found myself there recently. A close-up view of devastation completely tearing a loved one's world apart. It's the phone call we all never want to receive.

It was a normal Sunday, during football season. Plans had been made and the house was full of friends watching playoff football. When I saw the caller-id, I just figured it was a call to comment on the game. However, the moment I answered, I knew immediately that something was wrong. I had never heard that tone before. I knew what was to follow had nothing to do with the game.

Over the next several moments, my world came unglued. The request to put the phone on speaker and have Tara with me meant this news was going to be tough to take. We huddled in my son's bedroom, away from the noise, and listened in shock as tear filled words were slowly delivered. My little nephew, Seth, had suddenly and without warning passed away.

So many things went through my mind. Jumbled thoughts, really. We were so close to Brian and Angie. Our kids are all the around the same ages. We had walked through so much together and it had already been a very tough year for them. How could this be? What could we do?

Over the past month and a half, God has showed us how to better love Brian, Angie and their boys. It's been hard for us, but we can't even imagine what it's got to be like for them. I've found myself so often in a place where I just can't find words. There just aren't any. I want to desperately to take away their pain to somehow say something that will make them feel better. But, there just aren't any words. So, I pray. And, I do the best I can to communicate, sometimes without words, that I'm praying. Praying them through.

I think sometimes our mentality is that when all else fails, let's pray. When we can't do anything else, we'll just pray. But, prayer is not the last resort - it's the first and most powerful thing we can do. Because nothing else we could ever do on our own would ever be enough.

God reminds me of this all the time, especially every time I hear the new song from Sixteen Cities, "Pray You Through" There is such incredible truth in this amazing song. When I heard it for the first time, I loved it, but, I had no idea it would end up meaning so much to me. I appreciate these guys and the way God is using them to bring such encouragement to those who find themselves in uncertain and painful places in their lives.

If you are need of encouragement today or want to share your story, Sixteen Cities have set up a great place to do just that. Check this out; www.prayyouthrough.com If you would like to find out more about Sixteen Cities, or hear this amazing song, please click here; http://sixteencities.com/

If you do find yourself in a similar situation today. Prayer is powerful. And, I'm so honored to pray for you. If you're in need of prayer today, please don't hesitate to let me know; joeb@newlifemedia.org

Joe Buchanan serves New Life Media as Network Music Director.www.newlifemedia.org(WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)We work very hard to honor God through serving you. Your input is very important to us and decisions are made regularly, based on the opinions you have. To assure that your opinion is being heard, please join our Music Advisory Panel today. Click on your station for a direct link. Thanks!
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