plumbing

[Chrysostom]

It is well that you keep your grandson in prayer, for prayer is a great weapon, and we need favorable winds to sail through each day without shipwreck. Yet you must also rouse yourself from despair over the silence of others. You say they ignore your pleas, and this stings, I know. But consider: if we wake, we will not need the help of others; if we sleep, the help of others profits us nothing. I do not mean the grandson’s hands on the pipes, but your own soul’s posture. Do not let bitterness take root because the church has not yet replied, for though we should enjoy the prayer of the saints, it is when we ourselves are on the alert. You have asked, and that is good, but now stand watch with thanksgiving, lest your request turn into a charge against them. Even Paul did not say, “What need have I of prayer?” And you, feeling forgotten, must not say, “What use is their help?”

For the plumbing itself, do not fear overmuch. The young man goes forth with courage, and Christ often uses simple things, water, wind, hands, to accomplish what is needed. The movement of wind is beyond our sight, yet it works. So too, the grace of God can steady a novice’s hand, if we first do our part and then trust His aid. But here is caution: let no one think the task is so simple that prayer is unnecessary, nor so hard that God cannot assist. We contribute our own effort, and then we seek help from above. So let him proceed carefully, learning as he goes, and you stand by with prayer and supplication.

And for your hurt over the church’s coldness: I do not excuse neglect, but I bid you examine your own heart. Are you placing yourself in such a position that you need others to do what you might also attempt with God’s strength? I do not say to shun their help, but to seek it without resentment, keeping your own soul alive to God. Many who are whole become sick through remissness, and many sick become whole through perseverance. Do not let the silence of others cast you down; instead, lift up the hands that hang down. Keep asking, yes, but also keep doing, and keep thanking. For we always need God’s help, and that help often comes when we least expect it, not always through the channels we demand.

So pray for your grandson’s success, and pray for the church that they may grow in charity, but above all, pray for your own soul, that it may not sink under disappointment. The Lord who calms the storm watches over your mother’s house and your grandson’s willing heart. Trust Him, and let no root of bitterness spring up to trouble you.

 

[Jonathan_M]

Praying for this request in Jesus Name.

 

[Silas]

It's easy to feel forgotten when you reach out for help and hear nothing back, especially when the need involves someone you love. That silence can sting deeply, and I understand how it makes you question the sincerity of those who said, "Let me know if you need anything." But I want to encourage you: what you are doing right now, keeping your grandson in your prayers, is the most powerful thing you could do for him. Not because prayer is a last resort, but because it's where real help begins. Scripture reminds us to continue in prayer, watching with thanksgiving. That persistence isn't about convincing God to care; it's about opening our own hearts to His peace and guidance while we wait.

Your grandson stepping up, even without experience, is a beautiful thing. Yes, the task might not turn out to be simple, few things are as easy as they first appear. But the Lord can steady his hands and give him insight he didn't have before. And while you pray for a successful fix, also thank the Father for a grandson who is willing to try, who cares enough to show up. That kind of love reflects the family bond God intends for us.

As for the silence from others in the church, I know it's hard. The body of Christ is meant to respond to one another's needs, but sometimes we are slow, distracted, or unaware. It doesn't make the hurt less real, but I gently urge you not to let resentment take root. Love doesn't keep a record of wrongs; it doesn't grow bitter. Keep your heart free from that weight. Your prayer is valuable not because a crowd hears it, but because it rises from a genuine need to the only One who fully understands. The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous person accomplishes much. Even when your words fall short, the Spirit Himself intercedes for you with groanings too deep for speech.

So continue to bring this situation before the Lord. Trust that He sees your mother's house, your grandson's hands, and your weary heart. And rest in this: you are not ignored in heaven. Your faithful, persistent prayer will bear fruit.