Today, I was sitting in the ATLANTA AIRPORT, waiting to board a flight. I was very anxious to get home and see my loving wife and my precious daughter. Little did I know, God was about to speak.
I met a soldier of the United States Army, he was on his way back to Iraq after having only two weeks home with his family. We began to talk, and I could here the heaviness of his heart leaving his wife and daughter. He said, they never say "GOOD BYE, JUST SEE YOU LATER."
Here I am anxious to get home to my wife and only child, and here is a brother about to leave his wife and only child going to a place where danger is all around him. I was humbled and immediately started to think how I don't thank God enough for how merciful He has been to me. I was wanting to get home to rest and relax with my family and here was a man leaving his family going into harms way that I might be safe with my family. I tried to encourage him but I was somewhat lost for words. I did pray with Him and I promised to continue to pray for him and his family. His name is Carlos Arrieta. Sharon is his wife's name and Jasmine is his fifteen year old daughter. Please join with me in praying that God is pleased to keep them safe and bring them back together as a family.
We need to fall on our face and repent for our selfishness and ingratitude for the unseen grace and mercy of God in our lives. Here is one who wants to be with his family and can't and we can and don't. God forgive us.
God, please watch and keep Carlos from hurt and harm if this is your will. Please God comfort Sharon and Jasmine while he is away. Please God, I know you are the God of Comfort. I pray if they don't know you in the pardon of their sin that you will save them by your grace. God use them as a testimony of your Sovereign Rule. Thank you God, for reminding me of how kind you are to me inspite of me. Please honor this prayer for Christ' sake and for Your Glory and our good. It is in Jesus Name I Pray, AMEN.
