In the Name of Jesus
Paul Harvey told about a 3-year-old boy who went to the grocery store with his mother. Before they entered she chided her son: “Now you’re not going to get any chocolate chip cookies, so don’t even ask.”
The mother put her child in the child’s seat and off they went up and down the aisles. He was doing just fine until they came to the cookie section. Seeing the chocolate chip cookies he said, “Mom, can I have some chocolate chip cookies?” She said, “I told you not even to ask. You’re not going to get any at all.”
They continued down the aisles, but in their search for certain items she had to backtrack, and once again they found themselves on the cookie aisle. “Mom, can I please have some chocolate chip cookies?” She said, “I told you that you can’t have any. Now sit down and be quiet.”
Finally, they arrived at the checkout. The little boy sensed that the end was in sight, that this might be his last chance. He stood up on the seat and shouted in his loudest voice, “In the name of Jesus, may I have some chocolate chip cookies?” Everyone in the checkout lanes laughed and applauded. Do you think the little boy got his cookies? You bet! The other shoppers moved by his daring, pooled their resources. The little boy and his mother left with no less than 23 boxes of chocolate chip cookies.
That’s a great story! I think most of us can identify with the boy. There are times in life when we want something desperately. We want a new direction in life or a new start. We want a loved one to get well or a relationship to reconcile. In those moments we may pray fervently. But the truth is, even with zealous faith and unrelenting persistence, God does not always answer our prayers when and how we like.
Sometimes it works out as it did for the boy, and sometimes not. But in all cases, our prayers draw us closer to the presence of God. And if our eyes are open, we will notice God’s hand already at work.
Let us pray: You are Holy and Mystery and Love. We don’t understand why things happen or don’t happen the way they do. But we trust that you will never leave us or forsake us; and that you will give us strength to meet the moment For that, we give you thanks and praise. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
