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December 11

By December 11, 2018365 Devotions

Cold Calls

When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me (Psalm 86:7).

Scripture: Psalm 86:1-7

Song: “I Need Thee Every Hour”

At work, I frequently receive unsolicited sales calls from logistics companies hoping to pick up extra shipments from our manufacturing plant. Such cold calls are a frustrating waste of time because the answer will always be “no.” Our customers make all transportation decisions, not us.

Callers don’t know this, of course, until I explain it. Most politely thank me for my time and remove us from their prospect list. A few, however, persist in calling even after I’ve explained several times why we can’t help them. When that happens, I just stop answering the phone. My time at work is too valuable to spend it talking to someone who won’t honor what I have to say.

I’m grateful that God is not like me. He continues to hear my prayers even when I’m stubbornly oblivious to His response. In the face of personal calamity, I can be a lot like an annoying sales rep who continually asks for the same thing because my situation hasn’t improved. But sometimes, when I quiet my heart, I discover that God has already answered my prayer. I just wasn’t prepared for the possibility that He might say “no,” “not yet,” or “not your way but mine.”

I want my prayers to be more than “cold calls” for God’s favor in my life. The Bible assures me that God will answer when I call, but it’s up to me to hear, receive, and act on His response.

Dear God, thank You for listening to me. Now, help me listen to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

Jim Eichenberger

Author Jim Eichenberger

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