The three-digit emergency system has amazing capabilities. In most places in the UK, you need only dial those numbers to be instantly connected to a call handler. On a computer screen, the call handler instantly sees the caller’s telephone number, address (or approximate location if calling from a mobile phone), and the name under which the number is listed. A caller need not say anything once the call is made. Even rasping coughs and hysterical cries have brought a quick response. The call handler knows where the call is coming from, and help is sent immediately. Sometimes our situation is so urgent and desperate that we can’t put it into words, so we send up the SOS prayer, ‘Lord, I need your help!’ And help is on the way. ‘It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear’ (Isaiah 65:24 NKJV). Sometimes you feel the effects of something, but you don’t understand the cause and you can’t explain it. This is when the indwelling power of God’s Spirit comes to your aid: ‘The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them’ (Romans 8:26-28 NLT).

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.