My son, Joe, was a studious pupil. From kindergarten through high school he achieved high grades, but like most teenagers he was in a dilemma as to what area of education he should pursue. As Joe’s father had heart problems (that ended his life) he considered entering the medical field, but because he could argue a point of view well, he decided instead to be a lawyer. We prayed together asking GOD to open a door where he could continue his education. Joe considered many universities but every door was closed to him except a law school in Denver. He applied there and was accepted. After moving to Denver he rented a small apartment near the university but unfortunately it was not in a good part of town. The apartment did not have a carport or a garage therefore his Jeep was left outside, unprotected, in a space assigned to him. One night, much to his dismay, someone broke into his Jeep and stole his golf clubs. After that bad experience he would not leave anything of value in his car in that apartment complex parking lot.
Joe was an excellent student. He kept copious study notes on his laptop computer as well as his personal files containing addresses and phone numbers. One weekend he came home for a visit to Colorado Springs and we decided to go to a movie. Law school was intense and he needed time to relax. The movie ended and the moviegoers left to find their cars. We walked to Joe’s Jeep and found that it had been broken into. This time the thief had stolen his laptop! He was devastated. A loud moan escaped his lips and a heart full of anger rose within him. “Mom, what am I going to do? I need the notes on my computer to pass all of my exams – and the bar.” Feeling helpless I suggested we return to the theater and speak with the manager to report the break-in and the missing item. Joe gave the manager his phone number, address, and my phone number in case someone should turn in his laptop.
Back in the car I said, “Son, we are going to pray.” My prayers are often unconventional and out of the norm, but I know GOD hears them all. As we sat in the car, I asked GOD to heap misery upon the thief and not to give that person any peace, day or night. I prayed that GOD would prick that person’s conscience until they returned what they had stolen. No rest. No peace. No sleep! Solemnly we left the parking lot, and knowing that the situation was in GOD’S able hands, we went home.
Two days later Joe received a call from the theater manager reporting that someone had brought in Joe’s computer and then left! My son was overjoyed, for items like computers, once stolen, are never returned. John 14: 13-14.
