“I have called upon Thee, for Thou will hear me, O God: incline Thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Show Thy marvelous lovingkindness” (Psalm 17:6-7).

Most of the associates in the office often laughed at Jim and called him the “preacher man.” One or two of the associates at least spoke kindly to Jim once in a while. However, most of the office associates either ignored him or made fun of him once they found out that he was a Christian. Almost daily they taunted his faith and referred to him as being an extremist. One day at lunch it was nearly unbearable. Even several of the associates tried to intercede. As Jim quietly ate his lunch, he looked up at the ringleader and very quietly said to him, “Andy, you can laugh at me all you want. You can ridicule me. You can call me names. But I am glad to belong to the Lord and to know for sure that my sins are forgiven. I do believe that God answers prayer, and I do believe that prayer is important.” Andy howled and said disrespectfully, “Well, preacher man, say a little prayer for me, will you?” Jim replied sincerely, “I always do!” Andy suddenly stopped laughing and got up and walked out of the lunch room. It was an awkward moment, but God used that to really begin working in the heart and life of that associate. It was not long thereafter that tragedy struck in Andy’s life. His son became very ill and was hospitalized. Jim called on the family and prayed with them. Andy shook Jim’s hand, and with tears in his eyes said, “I laughed at you, Jim, and I taunted you for praying. But now I really need your prayers, and I would ask for your forgiveness.” Friends, it may not always turn out that way for you. But rest assured, our God really does hear and answer prayer, and we can rejoice in His lovingkindness.

For today: I am so thankful for those who pray for me. I am grateful that I can pray for others as well. If you have something you would like me to pray about, drop me an email at PastorMJP@aol.com.