For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayers, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. – 1 Peter3:12
Jake Swanson was a good man. He joked about being a fly on the wall at his own funeral, saying he’d like to know what people were saying to his face. His wife, Mildred, constantly scolded him for being snide.
“Oh, I’m just teasing, Mildred.” he would playfully banter. “Fact is, I don’t think I’ll really care.”
Jake was a faithful prayer warrior. Daily he spent time in the quiet of his study talking to God. He’d close the door, take a sheet of paper and begin to list names, events and families that needed prayer. He even prayed for those who had no specific needs. If he would receive a phone call while he was praying, his wife would simply tell the caller he was praying. He became quiet the buzz around town as people began to find out Mildred would not interrupt his prayer time.
The alarm clock chimed at it’s regular 7 a.m. wake-up call. Mildred reached across the table and smacked the switch. “Time to get up, Jake. You have an early doctor’s appointment.”
She rubbed his shoulder gently and slid out of bed.
“Jake, honey, get up.” Mildred poked his foot as she walked around the edge of the bed. Jake did not respond. “Jake. Jake.” Terror rushed through her. “Jake Swanson, stop playing possum.” When there was no response, Mildred rushed to the phone and dialed 9-1-1.
When things came into focus, Jake found himself standing at the rear of the chapel. People were passing by a casket and paying their respects to the widow. One by one, voices became clear and Jake realized the casket held his own remains. He was calm and peaceful as hand touched his shoulder giving him the sense this was a special moment.
“My faithful servant, before we go, I wanted you to hear what people have to say.” Jake’s hearing became very clear as he heard individuals throughout the room talk about the man who prayed them through.” A smile crossed his face as he was lifted gently from the room.
What a wonderful thought. Wouldn’t this be a grand gift for the faithful, if we could actually see the impact we have on others through our Christian example. We do not know the details of an eternal life with Christ, we only know it will be amazing. We know that God has promised us a joyful eternity. Now is the time to ask ourselves, “What kind of an example am I?”
What do others see in me? How am I making a difference?
In a world where people become very self-absorbed, we tend to forget the importance of prayer and the value of a godly life. Make an effort every few months to reassess your life and the example you set for others. Is it pleasing to God? Are you servant He asks you to be? The glory is not ours to have – it belongs to the Father. God hears our prayers, sees our actions, and knows our hearts. What impact have you made?
1 comment:
Our pray each morning should be, "Lord, let me be a blessing to someone today."
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