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September 2002 Table of Contents
From My Heart To Yours
A Phone Call From God
By Jackie Evans
 Since January, Jerry and I have been gone much more than we have been home. It is very rare that we have had a Saturday at home but early June found us home on a week-end. When I went to bed Friday night, I determined that I was going to stay in bed as long as I could on Saturday morning; at least until 10 AM even if I had to force myself to do so. At 7:15 I had just awakened, still in a drowsy state of mind reminding myself that I would just turn over and go back to sleep when the phone rang. My first thought was that I knew I didn't know anyone who would be calling this early . A male voice said, "Hi, how are you doing?" Not being awake enough to know how I felt, I responded "Not too good, thank you." The voice on the other end said, "Oh, I looking for Janet but I guess I got the wrong number." I confirmed this and we hung up. About 30 seconds later, the phone rang again. Figuring this same man had miss-dialed again, I answered with, "This still isn't Janet." He said, "Mam, I'm Rev. Riley, a pastor in town. You seemed a little down and I wondered if I might pray with you." I was so overwhelmed (and thankful I had not been rude to him) I immediately said yes and listened to a stranger, a Black pastor, intercede for a white woman whom he had never met.
I can't tell you what this did for me. I had gone through two months with physical pain but I bounced out of bed, forgetting my promise to myself to sleep until 10, knowing that I was going to have a wonderfully blessed, pain-free day….and I did! I was on a high like I've never experienced; I asked God to let me keep this wonderful feeling…and it was all because a stranger cared enough to make a call to pray for me.
Do I think this was a wrong number? No, indeed I don't. I firmly believe God looked down on me and said, "Jackie needs a blessing today and I think I'll just send one her way!" I'm blown away when I realize God cared personally enough about me, when He has so many children to care about, to still single me out to orchestrate that call from a Black Pastor to a sleepy white lady. Even though I've never met Pastor Riley, I feel like I've found a new friend in Christ.
I immediately got on the phone to my mom in Orlando to tell her…who in turn told her Sunday School Class. I couldn't wait to share this with my Sunday School class on Sunday who immediately prayed for this pastor, his church and the services he was conducting that day. My excitement continued to spill out Monday at work. Again, I asked God to let me keep this renewed excitement for Him and what He had done for me.
Why did I feel so strongly about relating this incident to you? To encourage you to pick up the phone and give someone a call as God prompts you to do. If God gives you a burden for someone, whether you know them or not, act on that prodding from God…be obedient, you may never know the ripple effect your call will have. Look for opportunities to share the Lord and act when God opens the door. Not only will you bless and encourage someone else, but the blessing you will receive for being obedient to God will be beyond measure!
Grateful for His Faithfulness!
Jackie
Jackie
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