What a Friend

One evening Jesus and His disciples were on the Sea of Galilee when a sudden storm threatened to capsize their boat. The terrified disciples asked Jesus for help after their own efforts had failed. With one simple command, “Peace, be still!” Jesus lulled the raging sea back into tranquility (Mark 4:35–41, NKJV). Like the disciples, my prayers were mostly for big things. I did not think it was necessary to “bother” God with mundane problems.

But as I grow older, my life experiences have taught me otherwise. Now I pray without ceasing, even for simple things. Practicing a healthy lifestyle has reduced but not removed my hypertension, which I am genetically susceptible to.

One December my blood pressure had been unusually high for several days, so I went to see my cardiologist. At her office, parking is usually limited.

On that visit, I spent more than two hours in the doctor’s office, and my husband could not find a place to park in that time. A week later, as I drove back for the results, my repeated prayer was, “Dear God, please help me to find a parking space.” My hopes were dashed when I saw a line of cars circling like ants searching for food. “Please, Jesus, please, I don’t want to be late.” Just then, I saw a car backing out. I quickly swung into the space as another car circled around. “Thank You, God! Thank You, Jesus,” I repeated, grateful to make it in time for my appointment. Praise God, the results were negative. I decided to buy a gift for the office staff, which meant giving up my precious parking space. How could I expect God to provide another one? My plan was to turn on the car’s hazard lights and pull up to the front for a few minutes. But to my surprise, a car backed out as I approached. I pulled in and cried, “Lord, You are too good to me. I don’t deserve this.” The staff were grateful for the gift, and I was doubly blessed.

Regarding prayer, Joseph M. Scriven penned these words: O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer.* Oh, what a Friend!

Maureen Nembhard