9-1-1

It was on this day, Feb 16, 1968 that the country's first 9-1-1 phone system was activated in Haleyville, Alabama. Before that time, if you had an emergency, you would dial the operator who would take down all the info and then relay it to a dispatcher. Not only was precious seconds lost in the exchange, but more than likely, the operator didn't have any First Aid training and couldn't help you over the phone. We have come a long way since then. With the Enhanced 9-1-1 and GPS, the exact location from where you are calling is instantly relayed to the responding units. Not only does this save time, it also increases accuracy that the emergency units will get to your exact location. One night a while back, I thought I was having a heart attack. I dialed 9-1-1 and within 45 seconds, a police officer was at my door, and then the paramedics arrived less than 2 minutes later. Luckily it wasn't a heart attack, but if it had been, emergency crews could have saved my life because of their quick response.

Have you ever sent up a 9-1-1 prayer to God? I have never been on the brink of life or death, but I can only imagine those people who have. Think of those people who are crowded together in a closet as a killer tornado is going by, or those who have been shipwrecked and they are treading water with a couple of hungry sharks swimming around their feet, or the people on a airplane who have just been told by the pilot that they are going to crash. Our 9-1-1 system can't really help these people much. When in that type of disaster, we need instant help...or an instant miracle. God is always there waiting for our call for help. And His 9-1-1 system is so good, that we don't even have to tell Him where we are or what is happening to us. All it takes is a quick, "Help me, Lord", and His dispatched angels are there in a flash. If you find yourself needing to dial 9-1-1, do so immediately, but also don't forget to call heaven's 9-1-1. With so many people responding to us, along with God's angels, we are sure to be in good hands.

Psalm 34:17 says, "The righteous cry out, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles."

Father, thank you for all the service people who risk their lives to save ours. In Jesus name, Amen.