12.29.20. Bigger than 911

Everything was prepared for our Bible study’s Christmas potluck celebration.  Guests were enroute, and we were ready: food and treats were plated, the outside house was brilliantly lit, and all candles were glowing. Firewood in hand, my husband began building our season’s first fire. However, he noticed an oddity in the fireplace. Stepping onto the back deck to examine the chimney from outside, he discovered FIRE--not smoke--spewing from the chimney. Instantly he was calling 911 just as the doorbell announced our first guest. While he hastily poured pitchers of water on the fire, I explained to guests the sirens they’d soon be hearing. Quickly, I donned my coat, and we headed to the front yard. As the sirens announced the first ladder truck’s arrival, our guests, freezing and wide eyed, clutched their crocks and plates of Christmas cookies while we stood outside to witness the show. Another ladder truck joined, and still another, and a rescue unit and squad cars. Why so many response vehicles? We marveled at the response and of the expertise of the protective equipment-clad professionals who entered and made their way to the attic to ensure fire containment while others outside extended ladders, climbed the roof, doused the fire, and found the culprit--a bird nest that had been established high inside the chimney. Debriefing after the fiasco, we asked the professionals why our 911 call had brought so many responders. Living in a SID that “no city claimed,” we were told, would bring vehicles from all surrounding areas. We’d made a call, and help had arrived immediately, in full force, more than we even needed. 
    Through the years, I’ve experienced God answer my call for help on many occasions. It’s quite a promise He has provided! “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you.”(NIV) God helped the Israelites when facing a mighty impassable sea. Nehemiah 9:9,11a “You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heard their cry by the Red Sea”... “And You divided the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land.”(NKJ)  He heard the cry of His people! Calling Peter from the boat, Jesus immediately answered Peter’s distressed cry for help. Matt.14:30,31a“But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying,‘Lord, save me!’And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him.”(NKJ) The psalmist’s words bring relief! Psalm 34:15 “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.”(NKJ) What a comfort! These words sung by Brian Cook tell of God’s help: “Whatever you face, just call on His name, and He will answer, for every problem you face, for every burden you bear.” He will answer my cry for help! I may receive a huge response on a 911 call, but I’m thankful that I have a God who is bigger than 911!  --Linda Dunlap  @   Lindadunlap.com ​

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