The next few days were like a bad dream. I would have gladly traded places with Althea. I knew she was with the Lord in heaven and I envied the fact that she was free from all problems and worries. I asked God why she died and not me. He had to know that our kids really needed their Mom. I had some other questions too. Was there anything else I could have done to change things? Did I pray enough or exercise faith enough for my wife’s healing? What did I do wrong?

I began to cry out to God like a drowning man gasping for air. If we were to survive as a family we needed His help. The circumstances we faced did not allow me the luxury of going through the motions of prayer – I needed to know how to really pray and make contact with the Lord. All the questions of why things happened gradually gave way to more pressing needs. Everyday seemed to bring new challenges. Lives were hanging in the balance and I needed God’s help. I know you have heard this before but -- God is faithful. He helped us. He has proven His faithfulness time and time again since those tragic days. During the process of writing this book I found it very difficult to dwell upon some of the painful experiences of the past. But each time I remembered the pain or sorrow I also thought about how the Lord brought us through. In the process, He has shown me some of His truths that have revolutionized my life.

Today I am remarried to a lovely Christian woman who I love very much. She was a widow with two grown children when I married her. I am blessed. I am the Pastor of a new Church and the founder of a prayer-training ministry. All of our children are alive and healthy and we received a prophetic word from a well known preacher that all of our children would actively serve the Lord. It is clear that my purpose did not end with the death of my first wife and your purpose is not over either. It does not matter what you are going through. You can begin again.

Some of the questions I had when my first wife died were never answered but that is not a problem for me. I know God is in control. I know that he never once stopped loving my children and me during that time of overwhelming tragedy and change. I realize now that some of my questions were motivated more by some wrong ideas I had concerning God and the process of faith. Many things are becoming clearer as the Lord continues to bring me into a place of knowing Him. I used to read books anxious to get the help I needed based upon what they promised. Now I am learning how to rest in the Lord.

Why don’t you allow God to take the pressure off and you will see a truth about Him that could change your life. You can find yourself really walking by faith and not by sight. He really is an awesome God! My desire is that God will touch you through the reading of this book so that you come to realize and appropriate the wonderful power of prayer.

Just relax – there is no pressure for us to perform. God will stir us into action but first let us come to Him and learn.

 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30 – The Message)