The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe
"Bob"
I had not seen Bob in more than forty years, and I had never really known him that well. We did, however, have a connection.
As a young man, I worked in a large bank for a period of time. I met many people who become more than colleagues in my heart and mind, viewing them rather as friends. Some, however, were simply fellow employees of the bank, a few of who impressed me even though we did not become close. Bob was one of those, an officer with the bank I saw only from a distance, but whose conduct and demeanor I respected.
After leaving the bank in 1984, I knew I would not be seeing the people with whom I had worked for several years. This saddened me, but also motivated me to do something for them from afar. I could pray for them. I have done this with a number of groups of people with whom I have had relationship through the years, including neighbors, classmates, church members, and old friends with whom I no longer have contact. Nearly all of these people have gone their ways, and I have no knowledge of what has happened, or is happening in their hearts and lives. I do, however, know Someone who does…
"The ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He pondereth all his goings" (Proverbs 5:21).
Back to Bob. He has been among the people of the bank for whom I have prayed all these years. I have periodically named his name to the Lord, not knowing anything about his "ways" and "goings," and not expecting to ever see Bob again in this lifetime. My prayers have always been simple, asking the Lord to work in Bob and the others lives in accordance with His glory and their need. To my great surprise, Bob showed up in one of our meetings several weeks ago. I did not recognize him, but he came up to me after the service and introduced himself. I was quite surprised, and in introducing myself, told Bob that we had worked together many years ago at the bank. He didn't remember me, which was fine, but he was very gracious. Before we parted, he told me, "Glen, please pray for me. I have been going through some difficult times lately." We bowed our heads together, and I prayed in person with Bob after have prayed from afar for so long.
The moment was overwhelming. To stand together and pray personally with a man for whom I had long prayed in more general terms was, well, I don't have words to describe the sense of wonder. It confirmed to me what a gift we have been given to intercede for others, and convinced me to continue my prayers for the various groups of people I mentioned earlier. "Pray without ceasing" (I Thessalonians 5:17). Most importantly, it revealed yet again in my heart what a faithful God we know and serve in so many ways, including the marvelous gift of approaching His throne of grace to find Him abundantly willing to work in the hearts and lives of those for whom He calls us to seek His grace. I will never forget the moment. I trust it will remind and motivate me to not forget to pray for Bob and others loved by the God who grants us the privilege of seeking His working in the hearts and lives of others.
"We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers."
(I Thessalonians 1:2)
Weekly Memory Verse
For though He was crucified through weakness, yet He liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.
(II Corinthians 13:4)
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