Oh, my goodness! What am I going to do? These were my thoughts yesterday as panic was encroaching on my peace. I had left the house at 3:30 a.m. to catch a flight from the Asheville airport enroute to Michigan. I had a connection in Chicago. I was all set… bags packed, passport in backpack, and boarding passes on my phone. When I got to Chicago O’Hare Airport (one of the busiest airports in the world), something happened to my phone and I couldn’t get into it. I tried everything. Everything I knew to do. Thankfully, I had a long lay-over. I sat there for probably 40 minutes trying to figure this out. But to no avail.
I realize that our phones can be an idol for sure. But our phones are also often our connection to the outside world. And in that moment, I couldn’t get in touch with those on the other side. I thought of all sorts of scenarios… What if Lou is trying to get in touch with me to see if I’m okay? What will I do when I get to the airport in Michigan? How will I let my sister know I’m outside waiting? Okay… I’ll have to borrow someone’s phone and call Lou (I knew his number by heart) and ask him to text my sister to let her know I was there. What if I get delayed? How will I let my family know? I was traveling alone and, in that moment, I felt isolated… in a busy airport when people were consumed with their own travel arrangements.
And then I remembered Nehemiah. When he was faced with a dilemma, he prayed. Before answering the king, he shot up an arrow prayer. Lord, help me! Help me say the right thing. Pour out your favor on this situation. So, that’s what I did. In that moment, I bowed my head and said, “Lord, help me. I can’t do this myself.” As I lifted my head from prayer, I looked around. I needed to find a younger person… someone who was tech savvy. I spotted a few girls (probably my daughter’s age) on their phones and computers. I walked over and said to one of them…. “Excuse me. You look young. Do you know phones?” She looked up and smiled, “Yes!” So, for the next twenty minutes, she used her phone, my phone, and my iPad that I almost didn’t bring with me to get me back in touch with the outside. My phone was fixed. What a relief.
I asked her what her name was. She said Grace. I told her how much I love that name. You see, God poured out grace into my dire situation by using a girl named Grace to help. I believe with all my heart that it was because I shot that arrow prayer. I’m not sure what situation you’re going through right now… how hard it may seem. Let me encourage you to shoot up that arrow prayer and ask God to help. Even if it seems like it’s not important enough to bring before the King of the Universe… trust me, He cares about EVERYTHING we’re going through. He is just waiting for you to ask. Do you need His help today? Then ask. I hope this encourages you today. Please share this with others because someone needs to hear it.