Years ago, a nine-year old boy was kidnapped from his driveway in Atlanta, Georgia. No one saw him taken, he feared for his life but could not escape. He did not know what Solomon said to God at the dedication of the temple several thousand years earlier, yet, the little boy proved those words are still true.
Solomon said, “When famine or plague comes to the land, or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, or when enemies besiege them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come, and when a prayer or plea is made by any of your people…then hear from heaven, your dwelling place: (2 Chronicles 6:28-30).
King Solomon asked God to hear and respond whenever any of his people are in danger. It is inevitable that something will arise that will challenge us, something where we don’t have an answer. But Solomon said that the answer is turn to God in whatever way you know: any “prayer or plea.”
A nine-year-old boy proved that Solomon’s intercession is still alive. His family was raising him in the church. So Willie Myrick learned not only Scriptures and stories but also songs in Bible school. When kidnapped, a car drove up and the driver quickly grabbed Willie and threw him in the car covering his mouth so he could not scream. No one saw it—but God!
When the “enemy besieged him in his city,” Willie watched as neighborhoods flew by and then, with his mouth free, he began to “pray and plea” to God in his childlike way by singing, “Every Praise (is due our God).” It was a popular song his Bible school teacher taught the class. And he kept repeating it even as the kidnapper cursed and screamed for Willie to shut up—for three hours. And “God heard from heaven!”
Finally, the kidnapper stopped, threw Willie out, and sped away. In an unknown neighborhood, Willie ran to the nearest house and called his godmother (his memorized emergency number). Days later his church held a celebration of God for the rescue and a guest who heard about the story flew south to surprise and celebrate with Willie and his church. Hezekiah Walker joined that celebration thanking God and singing his song, “Every Praise,” with the congregation.
It wasn’t a Bible scholar, megachurch pastor, or seasoned Christian—but instead a nine-year-old boy who taught us how to believe and apply God’s “Living” Word. When you encounter things that feel overwhelming and you don’t know what to do, remember little Willie. Just call on the Lord however you know how because Jesus is closer than you think and he is always listening. It’s not that complicated!
God bless you!
Pastor Janice Fareed-Hardy
