Have you ever had an emergency at home or on the road, and you found yourself in a crisis situation? The first reaction is to panic and to wish you had some help. Most people know that dialing 9-1-1 anywhere in the United States will put one in touch with emergency services. Even children have saved lives of family members by using this number. It is so simple, only three numbers are needed.
There are many examples to illustrate miraculous rescues using this number. Just recently it was reported in the news the story of a man who had an heart attack while doing yard work, and his dog dragged him into the house to the phone so he could dial for help. The dog received a special award. Nowadays, we live in a world of cell phones with which it is possible to phone for emergency service even in remote areas. Last summer one member of a group of mountain climbers had an heart attack on the top of Mt. Whitney, and through the use of a cell phone, a helicopter was dispatched, and the man was medivaced to a nearby hospital. There are accounts of people being hijacked in their car, who were able to secretly dial 9-1-1 to alert the police of their location, resulting in their rescue. Most major highways are now equipped with regularly spaced call phones so that one can call for help.
Many times, however, a crisis arises in our lives which cannot be helped by dialing 9-1-1, situations which cannot be remedied by human help. Tragedies occur, perhaps the death of a loved one, a serious illness, loss of a job, financial collapse, or a breakdown of a family relationship can cause suffering, pain, or discouragement.
When we face such crises, we often try to survive on our own. We forget that there is divine assistance available, that what we need most is God's protection and guidance. We forget that comfort is available for the asking. When these problems arise, we can use a different 9-1-1. The next time spiritual problems arise, dial Psalm 91:1."
