Is There Such a Thing as Divine Intervention

Imagine youre sitting at the bedside of a loved one in the Intensive Care Unit and doctors tell you that things look pretty bleak. Do you lose hope Or do you start praying to God for a miracle Each day, millions of Americans face health crises and for many, a dose of medicine goes hand in hand with a prescription for prayer. According to a Newsweek poll, 84% of Americans believe that praying for others can have a positive effect on their recovery. While many scientists are not convinced about the benefits of prayer, religious leaders say theres no denying the benefits.

Eleanor Riley, evangelist/recording artist, pastors wife and author of the new book, Rungs on My Ladder: A Compelling Memoir of Faith, (Cornerstone Publishing 2007) believes the power of prayer can heal the ill, even when it appears theres no chance for recovery.

When I was a child growing up in Jamaica I witnessed a dramatic case of divine intervention through the power of prayer, says Riley. A young girl I went to church with was gravely ill. When I went to visit her, the grownups said death was upon her, and it was- she could no longer speak. I felt God working through me and I asked everyone who didnt believe that Jesus could heal her to leave the room. When it was just the two of us, this young girl who had been too weak to move or talk began speaking in tongues and was made whole again. That was the grace of our Father, healing that young girl and casting out the illness.

Riley is not alone in her unshakeable faith in Gods miraculous healing powers, even under the grimmest of circumstances. That same Newsweek poll revealed that a whopping 72% of Americans surveyed believe that God can cure people whove been given zero change of survival by medical science.

Rungs on My Ladder, Rileys autobiographical journey of faith starts off with her humble beginnings as the second of nine children growing up in Jamaica. She joyfully recounts the happy times with her family and is precise with her memories of the important role Jesus has played in her life. Riley notes very clearly that she first surrendered her life to Christ at the early age of 10. Her father was a deacon in the church who performed a variety of duties- choir director, organist and treasurer. She was close to her dad and they shared a deep love of the Lord and of prayer.

After migrating to America in 1970, she believes divine intervention saved her from a house fire. The family she had been staying with asked her to leave without any type of notice. Feeling dejected and not sure what happened or where she should go, she located a friend who let her sleep on a sofa. The following day when she went to retrieve the remainder of her possessions, the house where shed been staying was a charred skeleton of its former self. She stood on the sidewalk, staring at the house, thunderstruck with disbelief that the very room where she would have been sleeping when the fire broke out had been ravaged by searing flames.

All that night I had been praying to God, trying to figure out what was happening in my life and why Id been essentially tossed to the street, says Riley. The next day, I saw the reason why. God is powerful and works in mysterious ways- but that message was loud and clear. Even though we dont understand something when its happening, there is meaning to it all. Thats the work of God. And if we continually follow our faith, Gods hand becomes clear in all situations. I believe God hears our prayers and is continually coaxing us up a ladder that leads us to higher faith and higher powers.

Book Available at: Amazon, and www.cornerstonepublishing.com