This morning a young man died in a fire at a Scout Camp in our area. It was tragic news, and my phone began ringing off the hook at about 8:30am. I jumped in my car and headed to the home of the Scout Chaplain (a member of my church) and his wife (who found the fire) to try to bring some comfort.
On my way there I began to pray in the Spirit, since I had no words in English that seemed appropriate. My heart and head were racing, and I knew there were no words of comfort that I could speak to ease the situation. So, I just kept saying "come, Holy Spirit, come!"
As I got out of my car at their home. . . I felt the comfort and presence of the Holy Spirit with me. I realize "I" didn't have to have answers. "I" didn't need to know what to do or even what to say. What this couple needed was simply my presence as a sign of love and friendship. I remembered that God would use me simply as a vehicle or conduit through which God would touch the world, and He would do the comforting, while using me to accomplish it!
I remembered this was no surprise to God. This situation did not take God unawares. And while this is a tragic shock for us humans . . . for our omnipotent God, it was NOT.
Romans 8:26-28 "For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982, S. Ro 8:26-28)
This passage confirms for me that the Holy Spirit interprets my prays of deep groans that come without words. And that He makes intercession for me according to His will. Not according to my often misguided, selfish or ignorant will . . . but His all knowing, always present, predestined will. WOW! What a tremendous thought!
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