Evangelism, People Skills, Pioneering, Prayer, Small Beginnings, Witness

Answering the Prayer of Those Who Didn’t Know They Were Praying

1 Comment 09 February 2008

Scripture
That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” Acts 16:9

Observation
The man in the vision from Macedonia was I think the man Paul met in the prison basement after the earthquake. Paul’s first convert in Europe was a woman, he was chased by a clairvoyant through the streets and he was beaten with rods. After the earthquake the vision was fulfilled.

It was quite a sight to see a prison warden on his knees begging a prisoner for help. Paul surely must have realized then that his prophecy was fulfilled.

Paul was the answer to the unspoken prayers of an unsaved man. Before the jailer was converted, his sighs were translated into prayers answered by God in Paul’s vision. Could it be that some of our steps are guided by the prayers of those who do not yet know the Lord?

Application
Paul was the answer to the prayer of an unsaved man; may my life be the answer to the unspoken desires of those searching for what they know not for. As I heard years ago, there are people without Christ waiting for me to say ‘yes’ to God.

Prayer
Father, make the the answer to someone’s prayer today. Amen.

Jesus, Kindness, Love, People Skills, Serving

Kindness Matters

No Comments 18 December 2007

Scripture
Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” John 4:6-7

Application
I’ve spent some time with a pastor who never lets a name tag go unnoticed. Every time we’ve gone out to lunch he has taken time to use the name that is there to read. It is a magical charm that creates instant rapport. As he explained to me, “People who work with the public have so much to put up with. I don’t want to make their day any more difficult. I want to lighten their load.”

Sometimes I’m there but oftentimes I’m not. Like the other day when checking into a motel I was more interested in the bed in the room and the sleep it offered to me than I was with the human being checking me in. I remember standing there thinking, “I’m tired so will you hurry up!” I didn’t voice my frustration as she methodically filled in every blank box (hey I don’t trash rooms or steal towels and I always pay for my phone calls so would you hurry!). I didn’t speak my thoughts but I’m sure she could feel them. Was that really the impression Jesus wanted me to give?

Jesus was tired enough that he did not want to go shopping. He just wanted to sit on a bench. Any man with a wife at Christmas in a mall can relate. Yet he had time to initiate a long conversation for the benefit of another. Kindness such as this is a small thing that does not seem theologically significant. But it was to Jesus.

Application
Kindness matters. People thrive on it. Jesus wants me to offer it, even when I’m tired.

Prayer
Father, help me to remember the human being under every franchise uniform. Help me to see the value of people as you do. Amen.

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I'm Phil McCallum, a husband, father and most of all one of the people Jesus loves. I'm privileged to serve Evergreen Community Church in Bothell, Washington as Senior Pastor where people love enough to believe "it's all about relationships." In 1982 I made a vow to read God's word daily and apply it to life. Each day I write out my reflections. Some days I post those on my blog. It's a little personal but it's my hope it will stir you to go deeper still. Learn how I do my devotions. These are my thoughts and not necessarily those of the ministry I serve. By the way check out the computer study Bible Glo. I highly recommend it.

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