Christian Living

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He’s Waiting!
© 2009

by

Stephen A. Peterson


Conrad Joseph (not his actual name), a Vietnam War veteran and prisoner of war told his story and how he and his compatriots survived their confinement. As he recalled, his captures made everything a method or a means to make life as difficult as they could possibly make it. He recalled asking a guard if he could keep the pocket size Bible he had stored in a large cargo pocket. That request gained him a fist in the mouth as will as a hard kick in the groin. So along with a few of his fellow prisoners who were Christians, each constructed as much of the Bible as each could recall. One man quoted the 23rd Psalm the wrote each word on the prison wall; another quietly sang parts of Isaiah as he recalled Handel’s “Messiah”; still another man recited, in song, the Ten Commandment and another recalled St. Matthew’s “Passion of Christ” Gospel. Each day they would share whatever they remembered. On difficult days or days following torture, they would encourage one another with God’s word and with prayers of courage, comfort and help.

The Bible along with prayer is relevant to every Christian during the good times but especially when times are tough and life threatening. The more one reads and prays, the more God word and the messages they contain either remain fresh or grow strong. In time, the person who reads the Bible and prays, the more that person comes to recognize their personal as well as spiritual needs. Reading about David’s rise in power as well as the sins he committed give hope for the long term sinner or the person who suddenly slipped up. For as anyone who has read the stories regarding David know, he committed many sins but was favored by God. This should give every person hope that we are loved and pursued by God though humankind is sinful.

One may readily see that Bible families in both Old and New Testament were not perfect. Yet God still used them to accomplish His purposes. This should give families hope that God would be able to use any family in spite of their imperfections.

The best way to gain insight into the Bible and to establish a habit of praying is to have a plan for reading it daily as well as daily prayer. Reading a verse or two each day will often take no more than five or ten minutes. Short prayers are equally great ways to start. Many people think that prayer must be accomplished in a kneeling position. No so. People may be when sitting, standing or laying on one’s back. God is with me. God is in. is a prayer that is heard by the Lord just as the longest prayer one may say?

Why not start this very moment. God is waiting!

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