By Howard Eyrich
Editor’s Note: Today Dr. Howard Eyrich comments on a post he saw and its reminder to him of the Light of life, God’s providence, the joy of personal prayer, and his own story. You’ll enjoy this short blog and his ministry of encouragement to you today.
Important Insight
Dark days make the light brighter!
Setting of the Insight
I watched the testimony of a gentleman who recovered from C-19 who had been at death’s door. Thank you, Lord, for reminding me of the very personal nature of our relationship with you that this gentleman displayed in his simple prayers and the way in which you answered.
The speaker shared how he prayed, and God answered not by sending a new doctor with a new treatment, but a hospital staff cleaner-man. The cleaner man shared how he had been a missionary for 14 years in Africa and saw the Lord do marvelous works. Then he prayed for this man. That night the man turned the corner. He thanked the Lord and asked if he could have a special treat food wise. The next day the cleaner return and passed a bag through the door. It contained the very food treat he had requested of the Lord.
Impact of the Insight
I was reminded of my spiritual mentors as a young Christian and the very simple, personal prayers they offered and how often I saw the Lord answer them. They led a vibrant Teenage Bible Club. In August 1957 they were planning their annual fall formal dinner to kick off the new year. This couple challenged the youth to pray that the Lord would bring a teen on that night of the dinner who would become a Christian as the gospel was presented. Through an unlikely set of circumstances, I was that teen. Sometimes with years of theological training and heavy teaching and counseling schedules, I forget the warm and personal touch of our Lord in time and space observed in this story and displayed in Psalm 145:8-10.
8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.9 The Lord is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.10 All your works praise you, Lord;
your faithful people extol you.
Engaging the Insight
In these dark days there is the Light of life (John 8:12) to whom we can turn for encouragement. And this Light of life displays His light through other believers (Matthew 5:14) and oftentimes the least likely ones—like a cleaner-man in the hospital. So, my friends, remember your compassionate Lord cares. Pray with expectation. Expect the Light. And remember, it may come in the most unlikely way.My friends, remember your compassionate Lord cares. Pray with expectation. Expect the Light. And remember, it may come in the most unlikely way. - Dr Howard Eyrich Share on X
Thank you, Father, for reminding me that I may cry, “Abba” with very simple everyday needs and desires–that they are not unimportant to you. Your governance of the universe includes these human realities–even my human realities.
Dr. Howard is married to Pam, has two adult children, and eight grandchildren. He currently teaches, is an elder, and serves as a board member of the International Association of Biblical Counselors and a fellow in the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. He has served multiple congregations as a church planter, senior pastor, and elder. He has authored multiple books and articles. Over the years, he served working on the staff of the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation as Counselor and Director of Curriculum Development, the first Executive Director of then the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors (now ACBC), and has led multiple training programs in seminaries and churches. He currently serves as Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program in Biblical Counseling at Birmingham Theological Seminary.
In addition, God has allowed me to be his friend.
Image Credit Kevin Carson (San Fransisco Bay at daylight)
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