Faith is useless. At least, that’s the thought I continually have to take captive. My heart focuses on the pain instead of God’s healing presence. Two years ago, my belief in His power and love for me was tested.

On March 27, 2006, one day after a life-changing trip to Israel with my parents and older sister, the unthinkable became reality. My father suffered a stroke.

The expression on my sister’s face brought a sick feeling to the pit of my stomach. She began to cry as she shared the news with me. My first reaction was literally, “God help us!”

The Lasting Affects of a Stroke

Many months have passed since I first saw my dad lying on an emergency room bed hooked up to machines. Thinking back, I sigh as I remember the uncertainty of that time and how what used to be simple for him isn't so easy anymore.

My father’s attempt to walk to the car or open a bottle of water brings those memories to mind again. The stroke left him paralyzed on his left side. He walks with a cane, jerking his left leg forward in an effort to make the next step. His hand is still unusable. So when his throat is dry and there’s no water around he coughs as he struggles to take the bottle cap off with his one good hand.

God has brought him thus far, and I believe for his continued healing. These days, he drives himself to work for a 40-hour week at the office using a right-handed device on the steering wheel.

Something as traumatic as a stroke also can affect a person’s mind and emotions. And I’ve seen that too.

Although Dad was never afraid to show how he feels, situations that never prompted strong emotions before do now. He weeps uncontrollably and then laughs at how silly he feels for crying so hard. Even in silence, he’ll smile as he tries to open his eyes to see through the tears that cloud his vision.

I end up crying and hugging his neck as I laugh along with him. It’s difficult to hear him weep, but I’m thankful for the sounds of unexplainable laughter that follow.

Living Well in Spite of Phsyical Limitations

It’s tough to watch a loved one go through a health crisis. You feel helpless because there’s nothing you can do to ease their pain or restore their body. Just know that God can simply speak a word of healing and all can be righted again.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?” Matthew 7:7-9 (NLT)

As you stagger through your own ordeal, remember to give all of your worries and fears to the Lord. Pound on His front door until your fists are bruised and Heaven opens up and pours healing into your life. Pray, without relenting, that your family member or friend is made completely whole. Have faith and God will move mountains.

During the first few weeks, my dad spent his days in a sterile rehabilitation hospital room. Each night after visiting hours, feelings of despair consumed me. Every step I took away from that building reminded me that he couldn’t walk as I could. The guilt ate me up. I felt terrible for leaving him there. I had to let him go night after night kissing him on the head goodbye. The simple act of walking to the elevator and out the doors became a grueling process. It wasn’t fair. I shouldn’t have to leave my father in that place.

Time alone with the Lord and His encouraging voice helped me more than anything else.

God knows your situation can make you miserable sometimes. Just release your pain to Him. He knows your sorrow; He bore the weight of His son’s horrible death. He understands your frustration when you don’t feel like He cares. If you're willing to open you heart to Him, He’ll show you how much He does.

A few months ago as I surveyed my heart about my dad’s health, I wrote this poem.

"Painful Laughter"

Uncertain where this is leading,
God, open your ears, I’m pleading.
The one thing I never knew, never hoped would come,
a time when my life came undone.

My daddy lay bruised and broken.
Trying now, I can find a slight hope within.
Seeking hard for what I'm after,
grateful for his painful laughter.

Heavenly Father, speak to my soul.
Make my heart completely whole.
One word from you is all he needs.
Glory to you, Lord, whatever life brings.

My anxiety is calmed as I see him laugh in spite of his weakness. Even though his faith was strong before, my dad is walking the best he ever has - with our Heavenly Father.

This article is officially ending with a “to be continued” per my dad’s request. When he gets his healing, there will be a new story to tell.

Hannah Goodwyn currently serves as a producer for LivingTheLife.com and CBN.com. For more articles and info about Hannah, visit her bio page.

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