Trapped In The Elevator

Devotional for Saturday, May 6, 2000 by Anne Russell

Our church is thriving and growing. We have had for some years a time of fellowship after the service, which allows us to gather together in an attempt to get to know one another as a Christian family. We have grown to the point where we can no longer use the room on the main floor. There is a large auditorium on the downstairs level, but this leaves out those who are older or disabled. The only solution was to install an elevator. This having been done, we had a little ceremony, cutting a ribbon and officially commemorating the opening.

A few days later I received a telephone call from my husband who was at the church. You have to know him to appreciate his sense of humour. He was laughing, and could hardly tell me what had happened.

Apparently he had arrived at the church to find the elevator at the halfway point. Inside was our minister, trapped for an hour -- plus the time it took to free the elevator and get him out. I can just hear my husband asking, "Jim, have you anything to read?"

After I finished having a chuckle to myself, I said, "Is he claustrophobic?"

"A little, I think," was the answer.

I thought to myself after, "It is certainly a good way for the Lord to get one's attention, and to hold it."

Think of yourself trapped and alone. Not really funny, but God does on occasion put us into a situation where he demands our full attention.

There are times in our lives when we need to realize how small we are and how great God is. We seem to be so busy; we don't take time to be with God. We need to be reminded, even if it means being trapped in an elevator to get our attention.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we pray that we won't have to be put to the test in order for You to get our attention. Help us to take time to be with You sincerely, and to pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Anne Russell <anbrussell@rogers.com>
Brampton, Ontario, Canada

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Today's Music:     Psalm 5.  

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