Meditation

Read 1 John 5:11-15                                       —Psalm 50:15 (NRSV)

Call me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify me.

A few years ago, one of my sons, Bongue, and I left home early one morning to participate in a training seminar for pastors in Luanda. It was still dark. A few minutes later we were approached by three thieves who demanded our wallets. When we resisted, they threatened us with a firearm and beat us. They took our wallets, belongings and money.

For several weeks, I felt hatred, remorse and fear, but prayed constantly for God to touch the hearts of the people who hurt us and, if possible, to see that my wallet was returned. Six months later, three people appeared at the church where my other son, Abraham, was pastor and handed him my wallet, repenting of their evil acts and asking Abraham to pray for them and received them into the church.

God had worked a miracle! God hears our prayers and answers them. We must never forget Jesus’ promise: “I am with you always, to the end of the age: Matthew 28:20.

Prayer—Thank you, God, for your love and protection in difficult times. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one: Matthew 6:9-13, NIV. Amen.

Thought for the Day—Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you: Matthew 5:44.

Eunice Arao Kakueka (Luanda, Angola)