Mrs. Cindy Hartman, a pastor’s wife, and a practical Christian from Conway, Arkansas, was a believer that does not take the promises of God lightly. The experience of a divine intervention by this wonderful woman has gone a long way in awakening the faith of many, including skeptics.
On July 31, 1994, the National Public Radio ran a report of how Cindy Hartman was confronted in her home by a pistol-wielding burglar. It was reported that after ripping off her telephone cord from the wall, the said burglar ordered Cindy into a closet. Though it was clear that Cindy was fearful for her life, she did not panic.
To the utter astonishment of the gunman, Cindy immediately went down on her knees and began to pray for help from God. The gunman became even more surprised when Cindy boldly asked if she could pray for him. But before the gunman could say a word, Cindy went on to tell him about the love of Christ for him and even went a step further in expressing her forgiveness to him for his actions.
It was so evident that this was more than what this burglar bargained for, because, he immediately broke into tears, knelt down and prayed with Cindy. After the prayers, the gunman peeped through the window and hollered out to a woman in a waiting pickup truck: “We’ve got to unload all of this stuff. This is a Christian home and we can’t do this to them.”
Cindy remained on her knees in prayer, as her furniture was being returned. Wiping off his fingerprints with a shirt, the man then apologized to Cindy and ran out of the house, leaving his gun behind.
“Let us, therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Cindy’s story is particularly inspiring; and clearly exemplifies the readiness and willingness of our God to immediately show up when we call or are in need, and how He (God) can easily turn things around for us, His children.
Indeed, no matter the gravity of the challenges that one may face in this life, our God is well able to remedy the situation.
Once God is called into any situation, that situation can never remain the same again, and prayer is the avenue we use in inviting God into any given situation. Prayer is the master key that opens the door for us to receive our much-needed solutions or answers to every need or problems that we may face in life.
It is remarkable how the move of our God cannot be hindered or deterred by the degree of the problems that we may face in life. Whether we are being confronted by the impassable gulf of a Red Sea, as were the wandering Israelites, or bound by prison chains and stocks, as once were Paul and Silas, God’s power to save and or help is just as effective in our modern times just as He was in the era of the New Testament believers. Remember, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8).
Most often than not, there is always a larger-than-life view of the people of old in the scriptures who prayed and experienced incredible miracles. Nevertheless, the scriptures make us understand that these heroes of faith, were without an iota of doubt ordinary people just like you and I. “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours…” (James 5:17-18). Oh yes, God will sure hear and answer the sincere, faith-filled prayer of anyone who is in tune with Him. “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).
So, whenever you are in need, or deep in confusion, and crisis, simply boldly and faithfully knock on heaven’s door and call upon the Lord Jesus Christ. He cares about your every need and concern. Prayer is, and always will remain, the master key that opens the door to God’s grace, help, and blessings!
However, you have to remember that His ears are always inclined to those that are in tune with Him. He is waiting on you right now. Simply acknowledge Him in all your ways, and greater breakthrough shall sure become yours. “Because he loves me, says the LORD, I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation” (Psa. 91:14-16).
That is the promise! What are you waiting for? Now is the time!
