“Lord, please help that man find You, and help the police find him.”
That was the prayer of my then seven-year-old daughter on the night a stranger tried to get her nine-year-old brother in the car with him earlier that afternoon.
The children played in front of the house where we lived in a small cul-de-sac of a middle-class neighborhood. The man had driven into the cul-de-sac and attempted to get my son into his car. Both children immediately ran, but only after my daughter got the license plate number. After making sure they were both okay, I notified the police. In a short time, an officer was at the door. He gathered the information, including the children’s description of the man and his car, and assured me they would do everything possible to catch him.
The words my daughter prayed that night cut to my heart. I confess to having many thoughts toward the stranger, but not one had been about his salvation. I was immediately convicted as the Holy Spirit whispered, “I died for him as much as I died for you.” My daughter’s concern for his spiritual well-being preceded her request that the police find him.
Police apprehended him later the following night in our neighborhood. He only spent a few hours in jail before police released him on bond. I wish I could say he was tried and convicted, but ultimately, attorneys decided they didn’t have enough evidence for a trial.
I learned a lot about trusting God. Even though the justice system let us down, I knew the man would ultimately answer to God. I prayed for him and asked God not to let him victimize anyone else. And yes, to save him.
That incident occurred many years ago. My children are now adults, but I will never forget my daughter’s prayer or its impact on me. Yes indeed, Jesus did die for all.
Who is the person, perhaps even an enemy, whose salvation you should pray for?
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and RyanMcGuire.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Crystal Dininger is a writer.