Encouragement

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I Am With You
© 2008

by

Stephen A. Peterson


Petty Officer Melda Ferguson was having a very, very bad day and was in an equally bad mood as she drove to the base commissary to pick up additional food. “Oh, Lord Jesus,” she said in despair, “Where are You? I don’t know what’s wrong with me today. Everything and everybody I’ve been around has been an utter disaster. I feel as though I’m going to lose my mind, Lord. Please, Lord, if You could just touch me in some way even if it is for a brief moment and lift my dreadful spirit. Help me!”

At that time, Petty Officer Ferguson turned on the radio. And what occurred appeared to be heaven sent. She heard the soft strains of the “Our Father”. It filled the car. Then a voice read Scripture. Moving over to the side of the road and away from traffic, she began to cry softly. Not tears of sadness, but tears of gratitude. “God had heard my prayer and touched me through this radio broadcast.”

Not realizing that she had even started her car, she found herself at the base commissary parking lot. Although she knew where she was, she just sat in her car. The hymns and soothing voice of the radio commentator continued to minister to her. “I really don’t want to leave this car. I feel Your presence, Lord,” she said, “In the commissary; everyone is caught up with making food and other item purchases for themselves or their families. They are not thinking of You. They may even be visiting with each other. I don’t want to be around people if I can’t be with You. Lord, may I just sit here for the rest of the day in this parking lot? This is so wonderful!”

It was just at that moment that the announcer quoted Jesus’ saying, “I am with you always”. It was at that point Petty Officer Ferguson knew she had to leave her car. She heard no voice but what appeared to be an internalized force seemed to say, “Go right now into the commissary and take Me with you. Go in with a smile on your face and love in your heart. Be kind and cheerful to everyone you meet and talk to for I will be in you and with you.”

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