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“I'll come as soon as I can get a flight,” I
promised.
After we heard about the growing crisis in our family, my husband
and I agreed that I should fly from Okinawa, Japan, to the U.S. to
support our adult children. I already had a ticket, purchased months
earlier. All I needed to do was change the date of departure. But there
were no seats available for several days.
Because of the time difference,
I couldn't call the airline that evening, so I planned to call first
thing in the morning. But it wasn't the alarm that woke me up several
hours later. Sleepy-eyed, I squinted at the clock: 3:53 a.m.
The phone
beside our bed rang again. Worried that I would receive more bad news
about the family crisis, I lifted the receiver. Before I could say
anything, I heard two words before the dial tone: “Destination
now.” I knew the voice. Whenever I want to call the U.S., I call my
long-distance server and hang up. Then, I receive a call back from
them with the message, “Please enter your destination now.”
How
could they have called me without first receiving a call from me? I
wondered. I hung up the phone and snuggled back under the covers. It
was much too early to get up. Closing my
eyes, I tried to go back to sleep. But my mind was fully awake. What
if I'm supposed to get a ticket now ? I questioned.
This wouldn't be the first time God had awakened someone with a message!
My
tired body argued, but I knew I must try. Wrapping my robe around
me, I climbed downstairs and called my U.S. travel agency. The agent
promised to search for a seat on the next day's plane and then e-mail
me. Her response came before breakfast: One seat had opened
on the flight I wanted. Amazed, I raced upstairs to tell my husband.
Of all the travelers around the globe searching for a seat, I had been
alerted at just the right time. My quick response reserved my spot.
I would be with my kids during this tough time.
Since that time, my
long-distance server has never “accidentally” called
me again. God cares about families in trouble. I am convinced my unexpected
call was heaven-sent.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and
they follow me” (John
10:27, NIV).
By Carol Ahola
We must admit we have sinned.
"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23,
NIV).
Jesus died on the cross so we wouldn't
have to die. He took our place in dying, then was resurrected, and
ascended to heaven where He watches over us and prays for us. All He
asks us to do to receive salvation is believe on Him.
"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31, NIV).
We only need to tell Jesus that we have
sinned, then He will forgive us. Every sin we have ever committed can
be forgiven.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our
sins" (1 John 1:9, NIV). |
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If you would like for someone to pray with you concerning your decision
to follow Jesus Christ, please contact the Assemblies of God church near
you, call 1-800-4PRAYER, or email wm-newsletters@ag.org.
If you recently made a decision to follow Jesus, you may request a free
booklet, Guidance for Life, on the Christian life from:
Women's Ministries
1445 N. Boonville
Springfield, MO 65802-1894
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