Kevin
I sometimes feel like God makes a special place or situation just for me. Most of the time these perfect moments happen in the outdoors. Like when I’m hunting. Or when the sun is rising with some ground fog rising. Once I was backcountry skiing out west. The snow conditions were great, with hard-pack snow and about 4-6 inches of powder on top. I looked out from a high point and down across a valley. Everything lined up for the most amazing day in the backcountry! I remember thinking I sure hope there’s backcountry skiing in Heaven!
SAY TO GOD: “HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME!”
A missionary family had been on my mind for days. I used to give them extra venison meat when they lived closer. But now they were over an hour away, so I didn’t think they’d want it. However, they kept coming to mind. I texted them offering more venison if they were interested. A little over an hour later, the father arrived to pick it up, saying it was literally an answer to their prayers! I’ve learned time and again to pay attention to the prompting of the Holy Spirit!
SAY TO GOD: “MAY YOUR WILL BE DONE!”
Climbing Mount Vinson in Antarctica, we camped at 13,000 feet in an open area with just snow, rocks, and ice. A storm hit with 50-75 mph winds and -25°F temperatures, with wind chills colder. The wind was so loud we had to yell. Our tents collapsed, and rescue was impossible. Isolated, I prayed, “Jesus calm the storm!” I texted my pastor and wife for prayer. Soon, the wind died down. We lost our kitchen tent and supplies, but survived. Not by our will, but God’s. I learned that God is very big, and we are very small.
SAY TO GOD: “GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD!”
I worked in Rwanda, which was still recovering from the 1994 genocide when Hutus killed Tutsis. The country showed physical, mental, and emotional scars, with churches full of bones where people had been betrayed and killed. Afterward, the government initiated “Gacaca” where perpetrators publicly ask for forgiveness from those they wronged. This process took place in towns and villages, often in soccer stadiums, with mandatory attendance. Though foreigners were not allowed, I was able to witness the incredible power of reconciliation. A documentary called “As We Forgive” tells the story of neighbors forgiving neighbors for terrible acts.
”SAY TO GOD: “DELIVER US FROM EVIL!”