MaryHuntWebb.com

One Saturday afternoon, my husband and I were eating a late lunch at one of our favorite small restaurants and were the only customers in the place when a man burst through the front door shouting, cursing and waving his arms in a violent manner. Thankfully, he did not have a weapon. He loudly demanded a beverage.

As we sat in our booth, I began repeating the name of Jesus over and over. The hostess, who was also one of the owners, told him to leave, but he sat down as he continued to shout. Her husband, the cook, came out from the kitchen and tried to get the man to leave. He started to push the man toward the door, and I thought a fight was going to break out, but his wife intervened.

Meanwhile, I began singing simple Christian songs and urged my husband to sing along. I started with “Jesus Loves Me” and continued with hymns I knew from memory. I was also praying.

My husband wanted to leave but in order to get to the door, we would have had to pass too close to where the altercation was taking place. I told him we were there in that booth to invoke Jesus’ presence so we remained.

Eventually, the owners’ two strong young sons arrived. Each one grabbed the man by an elbow so that they almost carried the miscreant out. Then they locked the door. He apparently wandered off.

We learned that the man had been there on other days acting violently. He was clearly mentally disturbed.

After the incident was over, I told the hostess that we often prayed for them and would continue to do so. Although I doubted that they were Christians, she thanked me. Through it all, I never felt anxious or afraid. I had the peace that passes understanding according to Philippians 4:7, which says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

We were there to bring peace in a storm. God had a purpose for us to bring His presence to a violent situation.

Prayer: God of comfort and peace, thank You for helping me to remain calm while others around me are not. In the mighty name of Jesus, amen.

RELEVANT BIBLE PASSAGE

Philippians 4:4-7 - 4) Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5) Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (New International Version)