Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV).

Each summer for the past four years, I've helped at my husband's basketball camp by cooking for the players and coaches. This past summer was no exception. One of the most dreaded aspects in preparation of this event is the shopping trip to Sam's Club two hours away. Purchasing, loading, unloading and putting away is exhausting. So, this past summer, I faxed my order ahead to Sam's and headed out to pick up just over $3,500 worth of groceries by myself. I'd borrowed my brother-in-law's brand new Turbo-Max diesel truck with camper shell on the back, figuring I could cram everything into just one vehicle. However, I'd never driven his truck before that day and he was on vacation, so I didn't receive any instructions on whatever quirks his truck might have. No problem! My husband and I own a diesel--how different could this one be?

As I started up the truck, I adjusted the seat and reached nonchalantly to adjust the rearview mirror. Unbeknownst to me, I accidentally pushed the OnStar Emergency System. Heading down the driveway, I heard this unfamiliar woman's voice asking me if I was in trouble and in need of assistance. Now I'd heard about this feature, but all of a sudden hearing a strange voice in the cab with me was a bit unnerving! I somehow stumbled though a repsonse, apologizing all over myself for whatever I did wrong, and explained that indeed everything was fine. Instead of being upset at my stupidity, the gal on the other end cracked up, and told me not to worry--this happened all the time. Though rather humiliated, there was a certain comfort in the knowledge that if I were in trouble, I could get help.

More comforting than an OnStar Emergency System is the fact that we can come to our Lord in the same way, but at any time...anyplace...for any reason! No, He's not "OnStar," but He's the Bright and Morning Star, who offers us an invitation to pray at all times. We don't even have to wait until we're in trouble! But how many of us really take advantage of that built-in feature? We have such a tendency to try everything else first. Once we've exhausted our resources, then we turn to Him. Why do we wait so long? Why do we fail to take advantage of the power so freely offered?

I have an aunt who's taught me by her lifestyle this lesson. The Lord is so real to her she just carries on an out-loud conversation with Him, as if He were physically in the room. You might think her extreme, but I know her sincerity, as well as the powerful results of her praying! Talk to the Lord! Then when He answers, you won't find yourself wondering where that strange voice is coming from!

-Peggy Forrest

Don't wait for an emergency to use your specialized "OnStar" feature...take advantage throughout the day.You'll be amazed at how life-changing prayer will be!

© 2003. Kingdom Building Ministries.