A DESPERATE CALL

The other day I read a true story, in the Reader's Digest, about a young girl at her wits end. Up till now she thought she had no reason to live. Addiction is rough to overcome. But in the other room there was a reason to try again.  A reason to succeed.  A child. 

But how?  Then she remembered a slip of paper her mother had given her.  On that paper was the name of a Christian counselor. She took the paper out and looked at it. She folded it up.  She looked at it again. Maybe it was time she called. She dialed. She waited. A man answered the phone. She could tell he had been asleep.

She began to talk.  Telling her story quickly, the man on the other end of the line listened.  Occasionally, he would acknowledge he was still there.  Finally, she slowed down.  Her voice was calmer.  Her breathing was deeper.  It was then she realized she had talked for a very long time.  From 2 AM until 4 AM, she had told a complete stranger her deepest fears, her worst sins, her addiction.  She told about her child and how this time she must succeed.  She must......

Suddenly, she realized this Christian man had not once judged her. Not once had even talked about God.  She asked, "Why have you not said anything about God?"

The man replied, "I need to tell you something but was afraid you would hang up.  Promise you will not hang up."  She agreed.

"I," the man said, "am not a counselor.  You have the wrong number."

They continued talking.

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What would you do if you were the wrong number?  What if, at 2 AM, your phone rang and the voice on the other end said, "My mother gave me your number and I need to talk."

Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

Would you listen?  Would you encourage?  Would you patiently wait for the person to finish?  To become calm?

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, 

put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

Colossians 3:12

Or would you say, "You have the wrong number."  Hang up.  Go back to sleep?

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,

for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

Hebrews 13:2

What would you do if you were a wrong number?