Daily
Devotional

Having been involved in prison ministry for several years, I have made some observations about prisoners’ lives. They know they are not going anywhere for a while—maybe not for a long while. Many are awaiting a court date and the possibility of being transferred to the state prison, and most acknowledge at least some degree of guilt for their crimes. One encouraging pattern I have noticed among prisoners is that they show a great deal of excitement about being in a Christian service.

When I ask the prisoners if they have ever attended Sunday school, almost every hand raises. Many declare they have received salvation since being incarcerated, and a number of them give convincing testimonies; but some acknowledge that they need to be saved. I remember one man who, with tears in his eyes, asked a fellow prisoner (who was a Christian) and myself to stay and talk with him. Soon, he was crying and calling out to God, and we were all involved in a powerful prayer meeting. I have often wondered what the guards thought, but they did not interfere. After a short while, the prisoner began to praise the Lord and say, “I got my life back.”

Those who are sick have a few things in common with prisoners. Although it is often through no fault of their own, those who suffer serious illnesses might find themselves confined to hospital or care center rooms for a while—maybe for a long while. Recently, I was in the hospital and almost felt as if I were in prison! However, there were many who visited me, and what a difference their concern and prayers made.

Confinement is no fun, whether it is in a hospital or the county jail. When Jesus spoke about the last judgment, He revealed the importance of helping those in need, specifically mentioning prisons and sick rooms. I believe He saw these places as mission fields. Those who are alone and going through hardships are in a condition where their need for God is obvious, yet they may not know how to find Him. What an opportunity for us to show them! Caring enough to visit and tell them about the salvation God offers may be just what it takes to convince them that God cares too.

There are many open doors around us. They may not always be prison doors or hospital doors—it could be our neighbor’s door, a schoolroom door, the door to anyone who is feeling alone and confined. What would we do if Jesus were on the other side of those doors? God can help us reach out to others in His name.