The Blessing & Faith

When Richard was in St. John's, he was about to see the doctor about his foot, and the consensus was that he would have to have it amputated.  It was stopping him from getting accepted into HealthSouth, and it was becoming a major issue.  I was thinking about that as I was away from St. John's that day and Richard was also thinking about it.  When I came in his room the next morning, I felt impressed to tell him that he should have a priesthood blessing.  He said that he was thinking the same thing.  Not long after, our friends B & M walked into the room. B's father lived locally and so we asked if B could call his dad and ask him to come and give Richard a priesthood blessing. He did. Before the blessing, B's father visited with Richard for awhile. Richard has received many priesthood blessings from the beginning of this experience, but this one was different. Some of the things that were said in the blessing were: 

1. Your life has been spared multiple times.
2. The Lord will take care of the infection.
3. In mortality you will regain function.
4. Give counsel to your kids.
5. Be Supportive of your wife and family.
6. This did not happen because of any sin you committed or thing you hadn’t done but the Lord wanted to teach you patience.  

In our religion, we believe that priesthood blessings given through priesthood holders are messages that are delivered straight from the Lord, through this blessing. The one being the voice speaks what he is inspired to say, and B's father was very surprised at the things he promised. The following Friday we held a family fast about the infection. The following Monday he had an appointment at UNM. The culture for MRSA came back negative and he went immediately from UNM to HealthSouth.  What a miracle!  

The thing that has stuck with me about this experience was how strong Richard's faith is.  He was promised that he would regain full function - in this life.  He could not even sit on the side of the bed at that point with his legs hanging over.  The thought of full function at that point?  Well, it seemed impossible. Several times since then, doctors have wanted to amputate the foot or the arm.  He has always refused.  He was promised that he would regain full function, and he had total faith in that promise. I admit, that I didn't have that kind of faith. I thought that he might keep the foot for a period of time, but that it would eventually come back. He never doubted.  Not once.