Compiled by: Georgeanne Falstrom, Intern
PARISH LAY MINISTRY ACADEMY
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tuesday, April 4, 2006
(Daily Readings: Ps 121,122,123,124,125,126; Exod 5:1-6:1; 1Cor 14:20-40; Mark 9:42-50)


“SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME"
By: Georgeanne Falstrom

Scripture: “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth”. ..PS 121:2
“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people from this time on and forevermore.”


What does it mean to be scared out of your wits? Have you ever had that experience?I have and I assure you it isn’t fun.

I lived in Dallas and was expected in Ft. Worth for a late afternoon meeting, so I decided to attend early service. It was still dark when I left the house. In my haste to get in a seat, I left the lights on in the car. Fortunately, I parked next to a kind gentleman who had jumper cables so the dead battery didn’t slow me down too much. God is with me, I thought.

I rushed home, packed my things for the three day conference I was attending, including notes for the presentation I was making. I threw everything in the car, turned on the ignition key. Nothing happened. I tried again. Nothing happened. The clock kept on ticking and my best made plans were going awry.

A neighbor happened to be home and came right over to give me another jump, warning me not to stop the car until I had reached my destination, just in case. As I got to the downtown mix-master, I realized how late I was going to be and thought it best to call the friends I was to meet. I turned onto the south freeway and exited the first street that looked as though there were businesses at the first corner.

Everything was closed. I noticed bars covering the doors and windows of the shops. I thought that seemed strange, but then I spotted a pay phone. (This was before everyone had cell phones.) I stopped the car in front of the booth and remembered to leave it running. I jumped out and dialed Alice’s number, with my back to the car. When she answered I turned back to the car in time to see a very large man get into the front seat.

I prayed hard. I whispered into the phone where I was and asked her to stay on the line. Instead of running, I went up to the intruder and told him calmly to get out of my car. He stood up, looking down at me, aiming a knife toward me. I looked straight into his eyes and told him to just take my money, but begged him to leave me the car. I felt a real sense of control that surprised me. Then I realized the Lord must be standing there with me.

The guy told me not to follow him or call the police. He grabbed my purse from the front seat and took off running. My friend was still on the phone, in shock. She told me she was praying for me the entire time. Since it was getting dark, I told her I would just meet her at our hotel. I was so thankful the car was still running and I got off that corner like a speeding bullet.

As I headed for safety, I thanked God for his protection and for my friend who also was watching over me in prayer. Even the police who came to the hotel said I was in an area they never went to alone. This was only one of the many times I have found myself in a difficult situation where the Lord gave me the strength I needed to endure and the help from others that I needed to get through the situation. Yes, he surrounded me with his security. My help came from him alone.

Prayer: Yes, Lord, you are truly our savior and protector. When we are in difficult situations, remind us of your presence and know that with you, we have nothing to fear. Just give us the confidence to trust you and your word at all times. Thanking you in advance for your perfect timing in our lives, regardless of where our path leads us. In Christ’s name we pray.