Q: My husband no longer attends church services, and his sister recently became sick. He cannot understand why it would Matter to God if he prayed for her now. He wonders why God would heal her through his prayers.

A: That’s the mind‑set of someone growing cool toward God. Some people forget God’s power is not based on their performance. How tragic when people drift so far from God they question the effectiveness of their prayers, rather than pray for the critical circumstance of a loved one.

As the water was stirred at the pool of Bethesda, people were being healed. When Jesus asked a diseased man if he wanted to be healed, the man said, “I have no one to put me in the pool,” (John 5:7). The man’s answer had nothing to do with Jesus’ question. A simple yes or no would have done.

Your husband has the same attitude, and it sounds like he needs prayer more than his sister. Keep quietly serving the Lord and never stop praying for him. (See 1 Pet 3:1‑2.) I don’t know why God wants to partner with anybody in prayer, but He does. It’s a real spiritual battle, but God knew you’d be fighting for your husband in prayer, even before you got married.

“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord. This mountain will become a plain,” (Zech 4:6). Let’s not place limitations on God. We need to remember that “without faith it is impossible to please God. For he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him,” (Heb 11:6). The least we can do is the most we can do, so keep praying and remain faithful.

People naturally focus on the giants in life rather than the Lord. The army of Israel was afraid of the nine‑foot six‑inch Philistine giant named Goliath.  A teenage shepherd named David heard the big mouth of the big man and challenged him. Everyone thought Goliath was too big to hit. David thought he was too big to miss. Once David committed to the challenge, he was given exactly what he needed–rocks.

God wants to be your solid rock of strength between you and the hard places of life. (See Psalm 31:2‑3.) Why don’t we pray right now?

Heavenly Father, since we know You love a contrite heart, we ask You to break down this husband’s heart. Turn him toward You. Please heal his sister as a testimony of Your love and power. Comfort this wife and give her the desires of her heart. We ask in Jesus’ name.

Matthew 19:26