It was the third car in line. It looked as if it hadn’t been washed in this century, but that was the least of the vehicle’s problems. The ear-splitting screech let everyone know that the car had a loose fan belt, a vacuum leak, or some other random auto ailment.
The car in front of his had been loaded with groceries, so our friend with the screeching car slowly rolled forward until Brett, one of the food bank volunteers, signaled for him to stop. Stepping forward, I leaned in and asked, “What’s going on with that car of yours?”
“Damn—I mean, darn if I know. I’ve tried to find out what’s wrong, but it has me baffled.”
“Well,” I offered, whenever I have a problem I can’t solve, I pray about it. Shall we pray for your car?”
“Sure, man. I’m willing to try anything.”
Putting my hand on his shoulder, I closed my eyes and practically shouted in order to be heard above the noise. I prayed, “Lord, my brother here has a problem with his car. Please help him.”
Instantly the noise stopped! My eyes popped open, and the driver looked at me with one of those looks I presume you only see when someone believes they’ve just experienced a miracle.” “What happened?
Smiling broadly, I said, “God works in mysterious ways.” I guess our food bank is now a place for car reprayer.”
A few weeks later my friend returned to the food bank and wanted to tell everyone about his miracle. “Thank God for your blessing.” I advised him, “But please keep this story to yourself. I have no desire to become the patron saint of old cars.
Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. James 5:13 (NLT)
Because He Loves Us Press 