God’s Perfect Timing

This story took place more than fifty years ago, but I remember it as if it happened today. I was only eighteen, a young, inexperienced woman, and had just moved from Rio Grande do Sul to São Paulo, Brazil. One of my sisters lived near there at that time, and I moved in with her. I did not have many financial resources because I was a student, and my brother-in-law used to pick me up on his bicycle after school each night.

As soon as I got a part-time job, I saved enough money to study dactylography, which is the scientific study of fingerprinting. I was also able to pay the bus fare to and from school. One night I left school at about ten-thirty and walked to the bus stop.

It was very cold and dark. I looked at both sides of the street and saw absolutely nobody. The street was deserted, and I began to feel afraid.

I quietly prayed and asked God to take care of me and keep me safe until I reached home. It was very cold, and I tried to cover my face against the winter wind with my coat collar. Suddenly, a tall young man approached me and said he would like to talk with me. I felt something was off, and I told him I did not want to talk. He insisted and got closer.

At this time, I felt his intentions were not good, and my heart was beating really fast. There was nobody there to help me, and even if I screamed, no one would hear. But then, from nowhere, two police officers showed up and came toward me.

They asked me if the man was bothering me. I said, “Yes!” But he sarcastically told the officers, “Do you think I do not know how to talk to a lady?” The officers asked him to show his ID, and he began to look for it, searching in all his pockets.

He could not seem to find it. In the middle of this confusion, the bus arrived, and I jumped inside as fast as I could. My heart was still beating hard, but I felt so relieved and grateful. God had sent not one but two angels to save me that night.

His timing was perfect! Whenever you are afraid, remember that God is only a prayer away.

Eva Cleonice Kopitar