A Defender at Work

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

1 Peter 3:12 (NIV)

A young boy, whose father is a pastor, was arrested one Monday evening while on his way to church to pray. He found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Because he was running late, he crossed the street just as the pedestrian light turned green. A man who saw him running identified him as the wanted thief who had just robbed a neighborhood grocery store. The only thing he and the thief had in common was that they were both carrying the same type of backpack. The police arrested him and took him to the police station.

When they opened his bag, they found a Bible, a notebook, and a pencil. This discovery surprised the police officer who was questioning him. To every question asked, he always gave the same answer: "My lawyer will handle my case." Instead of asking to make a phone call, he asked to be allowed to pray in peace. The young boy showed no signs of fear or confusion in the face of the situation. While the police officers were discussing his unusual attitude for someone arrested for theft, a judge who knew his father happened to be passing by, overheard the conversation, and asked to see him. It was a surprise to everyone when the boy finally spoke up to explain what had happened to him, without understanding why. He was released at the same time.

It is in this sense that Peter tells us that God's eyes are on us and that He is attentive to our prayers. Often, we find ourselves in difficult situations that we cannot explain. Sometimes we struggle to get out of them, but we only sink deeper. As long as you know you are on the right side, it's good to ask questions, but rest assured that God will not abandon you. He knew the situation even before it happened. If He allows you to go through it, it is to manifest His glory and reassure you of His presence. So, in those moments, call upon Him, for He hears you; be calm, for you have His full attention. He is always at work.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.