Responding to an Appeal

A young man was in a meeting when an appeal began to be made. Strangely, there came over him a sudden chill. He began to shiver and his teeth began to chatter. It was warm in the hall, so this was unexplainable.

He realized that there was a struggle raging within himself. He felt strongly that the invitation was for him, but he could not move.

His brother, sitting next to him, noticed what was happening and wondered at the strange occurrence. As the appeal continued, the cold effect seemed to have a grip on the young man. As he shivered, he wondered at the strange phenomenon. Then it occurred to him what was happening.

Satan was trying to keep him attached to that chair so he would not respond to God. He then mustered up a prayer in his mind to God, “Give me strength.

I know You’re speaking to me. I need to respond.” And so he closed his eyes and said to himself, “No matter what it takes I’m going to stand up and if I fall, I fall. At least God, You’ll know that I’m making an attempt to stand for You.”

When he stood up, the chill left him, and the nervousness unleashed its grip on him. He felt a peace and warmness return to him. Then he went to the altar in response to the appeal.

Oh, what victory the Lord gave that young man!