40 Day Prayer Challenge – Bringing in Sunshine

As the 40 Day Prayer Challenge continues I’d like to share a story from Arnie. Arnie is on board with this challenge and recently called to invite me to meet a newly hired employee, Felix, who is from Cuba. Arnie continued “crazy things have been happening here at work and we are having prayer meetings in my office.” So last week I went down to visit Arnie at his concrete business. As I walked unto the yard an enthusiastic young man approached me and with a strong accent said “Halleluiah” and gave me a hug. This had to be Felix! In broken English he went on to tell me that he and his family had been praying for me. Wow what a blessing to have someone greet me this way! The presence of joy that flowed from this guy was contagious. As we continued walking together into the office we met another employee who said, “Felix brings sunshine to work!”

That night Arnie, Felix and I had dinner together. Over a meal I heard more of Felix’s amazing faith journey while in Cuba. He shared about some extremely difficult times he encountered because of his faith in Jesus. What miraculously got him through these hardships were intense times of prayer and praise. Felix said he tried to follow the example of Paul and Silas by remembering what they did while in the dark prison. “Praying and singing hymns,” (Acts 16:25) are what carried him through many difficulties. What a blessed evening Arnie and I had as we listened to stories of how God’s mighty hand directed Felix’s life and how he eventually ended up in Colorado. Felix’s burning desire to bring the light of Jesus’ love to those walking in darkness was his hearts desire in Cuba and here in the states.

We ended our night in the restaurant praying together in Spanish and English, needless to say I left with a full heart. As I drove home I thought about the phrase his co-worker used to describe Felix “he brings sunshine to work!” It was so evident to me that his life founded on prayer and praise is what keeps him in the presence of the Son and by product is spiritual sunshine wherever he goes.

Felix’s glow made me reflect on the command found in Philippians 4:4-6.

“Rejoice in the Lord always I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident

to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by

prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace

of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your

minds in Christ Jesus.” 

Keep praying and praising and let the Son shine through you!