What do we do now? Now that we’re social distancing? Now that we, or someone we know, is laid-off? And living in fear? Or, sick? What can we do that’s sure to help?
On a dark rainy day, several years ago, my mood matched the weather. I climbed in my car and listened to rain hammer the roof when my cell phone rang. I answered with a cheerier tone than I felt. A voice on the other end said: “Bill, this is John Anderson. I’m calling from Washington, D.C.” John was a Federal Marshall–it was his job to oversee security for every federal courthouse in the United States. He was a busy man living under pressure.
“Bill,” he continued, “I’ve only got two minutes, but I wanted to pray for you. Okay?”
“Please do,” I said.
John prayed for two minutes and said he had to go. After I hung-up I realized a miracle had occurred. My batteries were partially charged.
When I got home the phone in my office rang. “This is Kevin,” the caller said. “I called to pray for you.”
Kevin lives in the South. At the time of the call he had just been diagnosed with a crippling illness. As you can imagine–he had a lot on his mind–running a business, caring for his family and coping with his diagnosis.
Kevin prayed for about two minutes. When he hung up a second miracle had occurred–my batteries were fully charged.
The next day I called a friend in Seattle. He’s a businessman I’ve been praying for on a regular basis. “This is Bill,” I said. “I’ve only got two minutes, but I wanted to pray for you.” He said, “Okay.” I prayed and said “Goodbye.”
I’m sure when I hung up the phone a miracle had occurred . . . I’m confident his batteries were charged.
As you read this you have a friend whose batteries are low. A call and prayer, no matter how brief, could give an infusion of strength, courage and faith.
I’ve been meeting with guys online with the use of Zoom. And I’ve been calling people I know are discouraged or fearful and praying for them.
Today I urge you to call a friend and say something like this: “I’ve only got two minutes. I can’t talk long but I want to pray for you.” And then bring them before God. Your prayer may be the lift from God they need at a time like this.
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