A few years ago, an atheist neighbor cried out to Jesus late in the evening. When his dog got loose once again, she ran in front of a car traveling down the street. With little time to react, this accident could not be avoided. As his dog struggled to survive, his prayer was fervent, “O Jesus, don’t let my dog die!” On his way to a local vet, this prayer was repeated several times, speeding off in his SUV. Unfortunately, sometimes our prayers don’t get answered or the outcome we desire is not fulfilled, ending in another pet tragedy.
Following the terrorists attack on the United States during September 11th, 2001, millions of Americans dropped to their knees to pray. In this moment of despair, people turned to houses of prayer seeking comfort. When the South Tower of the World Trade Center came crumbling to the ground at 9:58 am, several thousand were thought to be dead. Although nearly 3000 did pass away in 3 different states, desperation led countless individuals to re-evaluate their lives. As a result, families were conceived, relationships renewed and faith born again.
Thirteen years later, the worse is yet to come. If the book of Revelation is correct, there will be 7 seven years of tribulation, unlike anything the world has seen before. Once the prophecies within the Bible have been fulfilled, Jesus will return. Though no one knows the exact day or time, signs have been left as clues to the future in Matthew 24. I won’t speculate like many false prophets of the past, yet God will continue to use desperate times to achieve His will. If you reach a point of desolation, may the promise of Psalm 102:17 lead God to hear and answer your prayers.
by Jay Mankus
