[QUOTE=Land-Of-Fire;2195]When working at Praxair, I met a temp worker. He was strikingly blond with blue eyes, but not really handsome. He would have looked more like a blond Hitler with blue eyes. He had somewhat of an odd personality, generally reserved but could talk if addressed to, a little shy. He did not particularly dress well, perhaps plain uncoordinated clothing. He was probably in his 40’s.

Since he was working at a cubicle just outside our office and saw him frequently, we started to talk. I found out that he was the father of 4 or 5 children, that he was very proud of his wife who was involved with local politics, but not making much money – if any, and he himself was a family man with no steady job. He gave me the impression that it had been like this either for a long time or always. He was kind and eagerly shared with me his long list of temp agency contacts. He must have contacted them whenever his temp projects came to an end.

It seemed to me that this man’s situation was unfair. Here is a man with 4 children who could not count with a steady job to provide for his family. His look and odd personality did not help any, though he was not a bad person per see, and was cordial in conversation.

During my prayers I remembered this man and brought him before our Lord and pleaded his case. Since then, I had moved to a different building, but still saw him now and then and exchanged greetings.

Once, about 2 years after we first met, we ran into each other again. I had the opportunity to talk to him and find out how he was doing. To my greatest surprise, by then, he had become a permanent Praxair employee, I believe he was working for the IT department. It overjoyed me to learn this, and was so thankful at how merciful God was and that He answered prayers, though I was not sure if this was an answer to my prayer in particular (though if I really think about it had to have been, since he was not a Christian and I would not think he knew to pray, though he could have). Regardless.

God is a wonderful king worthy of all the praise in the whole wide world, who cares to surprise us with pleasant surprises. And this is the joy of intercession.

May it encourage us to become intercessors. May it encourage us to want to become godly persons, that our prayers would be effective. Amen.[/QUOTE]
I am deeply ENCOURAGED by this message as I am fasting and standing in the gap for all who I feel the burden to pray for. Thanks for the encouragement!!!!