Cloud of Witnesses

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

I think we can sometimes lose sight of the power of prayer. We can describe personal tales where we prayed hard about something close to us and saw God act, but sometimes its harder to describe the effect of a prayer on someone far away, or someone you've never met.

All of us at the Batiansilas are living in a life protected and buoyed by your prayers. We've felt despondent, but never alone. We've felt anger and been confronted with a strong desire to lash out, but it was always curbed. The kids have suffered truly low moments. Dark thoughts and questions. But they've seen God and His promises through it all.

On Sunday, I was really concerned about entering church on time. I just didn't want a grand entrance, didn't want...the attention. It's such a human, such a childish emotion. I want you to look at me when I say. Not when you want to.

But being in church solved those childish emotions. Just praising God next to my family with my brother. And we could only leave slowly with the people who wanted to say hi and give words of encouragement and peek at the 4 pound 13 ounce miracle.

God has chosen this moment for us, and for you, to be in certain places. For us to face one of the strangest, saddest, most faith-filled moments, and for you to pray and pray and pray. We are so grateful for your prayers. Believe me that they are, at times, all that has lifted our heads and kept our eyes on Him. Thank you.