From a young age, I have questioned just about everything and love to debate. Those traits have made me a good attorney (and “aggravated” my family and friends). As a boy, my faith started out as a “small mustard seed.” But, since then, it has grown through fact, evidence and experience. I love the guy in the Bible that said, “I believe, but help my unbelief.” I also can identify with “Doubting Thomas.” Don’t bash Thomas – he just wanted to see the holes in Jesus hands and side. Don’t we all?
To set the stage, the year was 1987, I had finished my finance degree at UGA and was in law school. The summer was dry as a bone, and the drought was severe. There was no grass, and the cows were hungry. The creeks dried up and cities had no water reserves. Dad called in the Georgia National Guard to haul and truck water to those communities that had none. All of the lakes were low, and the trees were shedding their leaves to conserve moisture. The threat of forest fires and water bands had everyone on edge.
Dad and Mom’s faith in Christ was strong, and all they knew to do was to call on God. As Governor, Dad could issue a proclamation requesting that all congregations pray statewide. Some politicians issue proclamations for show, a photo opportunity or press coverage. Dad’s call to prayer was serious and sincere. Both Mom and Dad came from Godly families, grew up in Mill Villages and had seen multitudes of prayers answered in their lives.
The proclaimed Sunday of prayer came, and we attended Roswell Street Baptist Church. I remember the prayer time during the service as being nothing spectacular, but nice. As you recall, I always have my doubts. I read in the Old Testament that God would send rain, but this was 1987. I felt guilty for doubting God, but I did.
The service ended, we excited the door, the press and cameras were waiting outside. The press can be real aggravating at times. The TV guy pressed a microphone in Dad’s face, and fervently asked, “Do you really believe that the prayers for rain are going to be answered?” Dad sincerely responded, “I have faith to believe that the Lord is going to answer this prayer today.” “I believe in prayer.” Then, it happened…BIG drops of rain started hitting the ground. The half a dollar size drops of rain that hurt when they hit you. We rushed to the car, and I looked up and noticed that there were hardly any clouds in the sky. As we headed back to the Governor’s Mansion, I set stunned in the front seat watching the windshield wipers clear the rain drops.
YES! It really rained! When I look back across my lifetime, I can see many more of God’s miracles in my life. I still have many doubts and get down. During those times, I want my family and fellow believers to remind me that God is still in the miracle business. I need to get on my knees, pray, take my doubts to God and ask for a miracle. How about you?