A Disarming Prayer Experience

Last week there was an incredible demonstration of Christ's command to pray for our enemies: "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." (Luke 6:28) A woman in Indianapolis was working behind the counter of a local store. Here is what happened:

Police said (name omitted) jumped behind the counter and pointed a gun at the female clerk, but then became remorseful when she began crying and talking about God. "He, at that time, starts to basically console her," said Indianapolis police Detective Kevin Wethington. Police said the robber told the clerk that he hated to do it, but times are hard and he has a 2-year-old child to support. Surveillance video showed the clerk praying with the robber, who even went so far as to hug the frightened female clerk. "They were actually praying at this point about the decisions that he's making," Wethington said. When the clerk pleaded with the gunman not to shoot her, police said he made a shocking gesture to put her at ease. "He reaches down, hands her the bullet out of his gun," Wethington said. After 30 minutes of conversation with the clerk, the robber grabbed about $20 from the register and the clerk's cell phone before he left, investigators said. He later turned himself in after his mother saw him on tv.

What a testimony. This woman cried out to God in her distress, and He answered her with protection and deliverance from this bizarre experience. My hope is that her prayers for this man will also be effective, and that God will grant this robber further repentance, even if he still suffers the consequences of his actions. He wouldn't be the first thief to find mercy from God. Remember the one next to Jesus on the cross?