Part II of a new Christmas Series of Messages
A Devotional by Eric S. Reamer
Passage: Psalm 46:1 (KJV)
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
It really happened!
Before we get too far into this devotional, allow me to say this for the benefit of those who know our ministry well, and who have followed our seemingly endless saga of vehicle breakdowns over the last couple of years: This time - we weren't the ones to break down! (PTL!)
Now, with that having been said... let me assure you, this is a true story! It happened just a couple days ago, and I thought to myself, "what a wonderful theme for a Christmas devotional".
Frustration on the Fone
It was December 7th. I had just placed a call to my friend, Victor, whom I knew had planned on driving all the way home from the east coast, and was scheduled to arrive on the 6th. I had waited a day before calling him, because I know all too well what it feels like to make such a long drive, and I wanted to give him time to recover. I was surprised to find the phone answered by his answering machine, but I left a brief message, and figured he'd call me back shortly.
Victor did call me back, only about 30 minutes later. It was great to hear his voice, but it became readily apparent that he wasn't in the best of moods. It was then that I discovered that Victor (with his family of 5) were not home at all, but that they were calling from a repair shop in a very small community called, Geneseo, IL.
His van had broken down (it's a Chevy... 'nuff said), and he was facing the prospect of all 5 of them having to make themselves, "comfortable" on a single waiting room couch, not for a couple hours - but for ALL DAY, as his repairs required quite a bit of effort on the part of the mechanics.
Now, friends, I don't know if you've ever been stranded in a small town, in the middle of winter, with your whole family (Vic has 3 wonderful and active young boys!), but I can assure you - it's not a fun thing! This is the time for holiday spirit, and joy... and those things are in short supply when you're facing a repair bill of several hundred dollars, and a cold couch for the family to "relax" upon for upwards of 8 hours.
Very Present Help
Enter God: He is a very present help in [times of] trouble. This time would be no different, and this is the rest of the story!
It just so happens that my family and I were in Geneseo, IL earlier this summer! We performed there at the First United Methodist Church, and had a wonderful time fellowshipping with our hosts, Gene and Marlene (last name withheld to protect their privacy). I even got to golf with Gene, and out of courtesy, I let him win... by a VERY courteous margin!
When Victor told me that he was stranded in Geneseo, I immediately thought of our hosts from last summer. I realized that what I was considering would be nothing short of an imposition upon Gene and Marlene... but then I thought of the kindness and hospitality that they showed me and my wife last summer, and figured I'd at least ask if they'd be willing to host Victor and his family for the day.
What does this have to do with Christmas, you might ask? Well, keep up with me here, as I draw it all together! In my opinion, this has EVERYTHING to do with Christmas!
Marlene was home when I called to tell her of Victor's plight, and asked her if she would be willing to help my friends by hosting them for the day. I knew that what I was asking would require a complete rearranging of her schedule, but I want to share with you - she didn't even hesitate!
In a moment of true holiday spirit, (and Christ-likeness, I might add), Marlene agreed to run down to the repair shop and pick up her as yet, unmet new friends! This she did, and Victor and his family were treated with warmth, kindness, and no-doubt GREAT food while they waited to hear from the mechanic.
Reflection of Truth
In this holiday season, it is so easy to get tied up and overly rushed with all the details that make up a day. There's shopping, and wrapping, and decorating, and baking... and well, you know what all is involved! And truth be known, I think a great majority of people would have simply been too busy to help the stranded family at the local repair shop. Excuses are a dime a dozen when we really don't want to be bothered.
But God is a very present help in trouble - and in this case, God used Gene and Marlene to minister to the needs of Victor and his family. The true spirit of Christmas was evident in their sacrifice, and joy was restored to the lives of at least 5 people that day!
What about you? Do you have a time of need, right now, in your life? Are you "broken down", emotionally, financially, or physically? I know in my heart of hearts that God is present - willing and able to help you in your time of trouble. Call upon Him today, and believe that He can do abundantly beyond all that we can ask of Him. Won't you join me in this prayer, now?
Prayer: Heavenly Father - we're all "broken down" at some point in our lives. Some of us have so many repairs pending, that we don't know where to start. But Lord, we give thanks to you for these things, because it is through our "broken" times that we can know for sure that if we lean not on our own understanding, but in all our ways acknowledge you, that you will make our paths straight! Please forgive me of my sin, and help me to trust in your provision of help in my times of trouble. I will stand faithfully upon the promises of your Word. In Jesus' name, amen!
Follow Up
Do you want to participate in sharing the Christmas Spirit? I would like to suggest that you take just a brief moment out of your busy schedule, and drop Victor a quick note of encouragement and support! He is a wonderful brother in the Lord, and together with his wife, Linda and 3 boys (Tim, Evan, and Nathan) they tour all over the country presenting the Gospel through the performance arts. It doesn't have to be long - but I know they'd be blessed if you just wished them a Merry Christmas!
Click here to read Part I of this Christmas series of devotionals.
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Eric Reamer is an evangelist, and full time Christian Illusionist. If you enjoy this devotional, please e-mail Eric at: Eric@IllustratedIllusions.com.
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