You can always pray

I called on the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me. — Psalm 118:5 

The young mother called out to the missionary, “Come quick! My baby is going to die.” Gale Fields was in Irian Jaya helping her husband Phil translate the Bible into Orya, a tribal language. But they also provided medical help whenever possible. Gale looked at the malaria-stricken child and realized she didn’t have the right medicine to help the infant.

‘I’m sorry,” she told the mother, “I don’t have any medicine for babies this small.” Gale paused, then said, “I could pray for her though.”

“Yes, anything to help my baby,” answered the mother.

Gale prayed for the baby and then went home feeling helpless. After awhile, she again heard the mother cry, “Gale, come quick and see my baby.”

Expecting the worst, Gale went to the baby’s side. This time, though, she noticed improvement. The dangerous fever was gone. Later, Gale would say, “No wonder the Orya Christians learned to pray. They know God answers.”

The early Christians prayed for Peter to be released from prison and them were “astonished” when God answered them (Acts 12:16). We respond that way too, but we shouldn’t be surprised when God answers our prayers. Remember, His power is great and His resources are endless.                            — Dave Branon

Forgive us, Lord, when we’re surprised

By answers to our prayer;

Increase our faith and teach us how

To trust Your loving care.         — Sper

READ: Acts 12:1-16

The most powerful position on earth is kneeling before the Lord of the universe.

The Bible in one year:

• Deuteronomy 17-19