God in Control / Do You Have Deep Concerns and Heavy Burdens? / Prayer to Jesus

GOD IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL

A Very Touching Story! - 2003 - Contributed by Annamarie Kresge, Virginia

A man from Norfolk, VA called a local radio station to share this on Sept 11th, 2003. His Name was Robert Matthews. These are his words:

"A few weeks before Sept 11th, my wife and I found out we were going to have our first child.  She planned a trip out to California to visit her sister.  On our way to the airport, we prayed that God would grant my wife a safe trip and be with her.  Shortly after I said 'Amen' we both heard a loud pop and the car shook violently.  We had blown out a tire. I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed her flight. 

Both very upset, we drove home. I received a call from my father who was retired  FDNY. He asked what my wife's flight number was, but I explained that we missed the flight. My father informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into the southern tower.  I was too shocked to speak.  My father also had more news for me;  he was going to help. 'This is not something I can just sit by for, I have to do something.'  I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because he had never given his life to Christ.  After a brief debate, I knew his mind was made up.  Before he got off the phone, he said, 'take good care of my grandchild.' 

Those were the last words I ever heard my father say; he died while helping in the rescue effort.  My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been answered quickly became anger.  Anger at God, at my father, and at myself.  I went for nearly 2 years blaming God for taking my father away.  My son would never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ, and I never got to say goodbye. 

Then something happened.  About 2 months ago, I was sitting at home with my wife and my son, when there was a knock on the door.  I looked at my wife, but I could tell she wasn't expecting anyone.  I opened the door to a couple with a small child.  The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was Jake Matthews.  I told him it was.  He quickly grabbed my hand and said, 'I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son.' 

He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack.  She was pregnant and had been caught under debris.  He then explained that my father had been the one to find his wife and free her.  My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of my father giving his life for people like this.  He then said, 'There is something else you need to know.'  His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talked to him and led him to Christ. I began sobbing at the news.  Now I know that when I get to heaven, my father will be standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family would be able to thank him themselves."

When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew in honor of the man who gave his life so a mother and baby could live.

This story should help us to realize two things: First, that though it has been two years since the attacks, we should never let it become a mere tragic memory. And second, but most important, God is always in control.  We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never know this side of heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control.

DO YOU HAVE DEEP CONCERNS AND HEAVY BURDENS?

TRY WRITING A PRAYER TO JESUS, THEN ADD HIS ANSWERS!

From an anonomous “Heart to Heart” friend ~ Used with permission

I was reading an article in my devotional book by Florence Littauer.  She said that at their seminars they very often have people write a letter to Jesus.  They have them state on paper what their specific requests are -- not in general terms -- but specific.  Once they have done that, they are given an appropriate period of time to just sit quietly in their seats, asking God to answer them in a still, small voice.  As the Lord speaks to them, they are to write those answers beside the appropriate request.  She says that people actually get excited as they see what the Lord would have them do regarding certain situations.  So -- I did that.  Here is my list and the answers beside them.

Dear Jesus,

Would you please tell me what to do about the bag of burdens I am carrying just now?
I can't seem to figure out where to start and where to go on these various subjects:

WOMEN'S MINISTRY - Take the break and get refreshed.

PHYSICALLY - eat better and exercise.
HOUSE in a MESS - Do 5 -15 minutes of cleaning and straightening at a time; you'll get it all done eventually.
FINANCES - Save as much as you can.  Shop a little more wisely.  Eat out once or twice less per week and send that amount directly to your money market account.  Add to that 10% of all income; pour directly into same account. It will add up faster than you think.
FRIENDS - Keep in touch with those you have; if they don't call, call them.  Pray for a new Christian best friend not connected with ministry.  Do not dwell on or repeat your problems to them for it will drive them away.
FAMILY and the HOLIDAYS - Be sweet; don't insist on anything; be very flexible.
TRAVEL - Take short trips like last Saturday.  Enjoy the scenery and each other.
HUSBAND - Keep loving him; be sweet and gentle toward him; be very patient.  Remember, it's a rough road for him, too.