Speak His Name

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18:10  I love this verse.  "Jesus!" Just saying His name takes me to a strong fortress where I am safe.  When I'm frightened, when I need provisions, when I need comfort, when I need to ask for forgiveness, or when I just want to show my love, I can sincerely whisper "Jesus" and know everything will be okay.  It doesn't mean I will never feel pain, go through challenges, or not continue my prayer with more words, but it does mean I'm never alone and I can trust Jesus with my life.

I'm glad we don't have to say a long prayer to get God's attention.  When the lady didn't see my car and she pulled out in front of me, I cried out "Jesus" while putting on the brakes and turning my wheel.  We ended up inches from each other, driver window to driver window.  She rolled down her window with tears saying, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!"  I said, "Its okay.  I called out to Jesus, and He helped us.  He deserves the thanks."

Last weekend I opened my electric bill and almost choked.  I lifted my eyes upward and said, "Help, Jesus." I had never had a bill that high, $181.39 for one month.  I use my wood stove every day so my bill is usually between $60 and $90 in the winter.  I couldn't believe turning on my Christmas tree every evening and having extra cold weather which caused my furnace to come on during the night would make that much difference. I put the bill in my drawer quoting Philippians 4:6 "Don't worry about anything, instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.  If you do this, you will experience God's peace which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."  

Tuesday was the first day of our Ladies' Bible Study.  As I was gathering my things to go home, I saw a friend slip a check under my notebook.  I followed her out and asked her about it.  She said the Lord impressed on her last week that I had a need.  She talked to her husband and they agreed to bless me.  When I sat down in my car, I looked at the check and this time I said the name of "Jesus" with a thankful heart.  God had met the need for my electric bill, as well as the $17.00 increase in rent.  Have you ever tried to drive when the thanksgiving in your heart is pouring down your cheeks?

I made a stop on the way home.  The clerk, a young black man, asked while waiting on me, "Are you having a good day?" I answered, "It's been so wonderful I can't stop crying. May I tell you about it?" He leaned over the counter towards me and listened intently as I told him how God had just met my need.  He responded with a "wow."  I put my hand on his and said, "I don't know how you feel about God but I can tell you from years of experience that He is real, His promises in His word are true, and that He loves you." I walked away saying, "Jesus" again.  This time I added, "Please let my story touch this man's heart."  I realized another miracle had just taken place.  Not one person came up behind me in line until I had finished my story and started to leave.

Friday, I went out on the porch to bring in wood.  I realized I had forgotten to call one of my grandchildren to come bring more wood up from my shed.  I went back in and called Meghan.  She was  getting ready to go babysit and didn't know if she had time to stop by and help. I quietly said, "Jesus, I need wood tonight." I went back on the porch and there was my son-in-law bringing up wood from the wood shed  "I was on my way home from a job when I had the feeling I should check on your wood," he shared with me.  At first I was shocked to see him but then my heart overflowed with thanksgiving as I watched Him bring up box after box of wood, making sure I had plenty for the days to come.  God knew Meghan's schedule and He had already taken care of the need.

Isaiah 65:24 says, "Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear." I'm thankful God knows our needs, even before we call on Him. I'm also very grateful for God's children who are sensitive to His voice and so graciously put James 1:27 into practice.  I will never cease to be amazed at God's goodness and the generously of His people.  As I share the message of God's provision in my life, I pray that it will lead others to understand the greatness of our God and desire a relationship with Him.