The Wrong Number With the Right Answer

Sharon JaynesPower of Words, Relationships, Uncategorized 45 Comments

Sometimes God will bring people who need encouragement across our paths in the most mysterious ways. That’s why we need to slow down and look around. Be sensitive to the little nudges of the Holy Spirit. You never know when you will be someone else’s miracle.

Jon Robinson experienced an unexpected miracle at a crucial time in his life.  He was a longtime media personality in my hometown, but when he was passed over for an anchor position he thought he had earned, he quit his job at the local television network and sank into a depression. He was hurting and alone. But an unusual twist of fate turned his life around. It all began with a wrong number.

Jon was sitting in the Waterfront Park in Charleston, S. C., watching seagulls soaring happily over the pristine harbor. He had taken a job in Charleston, but he missed his son back in Charlotte and mourned that he only got to see him on weekends. He was sinking in his sorrows, pondering the unwanted twists and turns of his life and wondering what his next step should be. Jon wasn’t happy with his circumstances and knew he was drinking too much. Something needed to change.

Jon’s musings were interrupted by the familiar ring of his cell phone.

He never answered his cell phone unless he knew the caller. He didn’t recognize the number, but for some reason, he mechanically answered and said, “Hello?”

“I’m sorry,” the caller apologized. “I must have the wrong number.”

“No problem,” Jon replied.

“Well, before I hang up, I want you to know that God loves you and I’m praying for you,” the caller continued.

“You must be out of your mind.”

“No. This is a message God wants you to hear.”

Jon was intrigued by this woman and they began talking. Before he knew it, he was spilling out his heart and sharing his personal and professional problems. As he told of his hurt, she shared her hope. He poured out his soul-wrenching misery; she poured in her life-giving message. The caller told Jon about the hope and healing of Jesus Christ, and God began to open his eyes to the possibility of a new life.

For most of his life, Jon had been an agnostic. But since that “wrong number” with the “right answer,” Jon has committed his life to Jesus Christ. “I am a Christian. I’ve had an awakening.”

This has a familiar ring to it, doesn’t it? I’m thinking of the Samaritan woman Jesus met at the well. She thought it was a “wrong number” but it was just what she needed to hear. “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman,” she said. “Why are you asking me for a drink?” In other words, “I think you’ve got the wrong number.”

But it wasn’t the wrong number, the wrong time, or the wrong person. It was a divine appointment. She had questions. Jesus had answers.

We could be the one who has the answers someone is looking for. So, let’s be ready to share the hope that is within us, but let us do it gently and prayerfully, not obnoxiously and rudely.

I’ve witnessed obnoxiously and rudely and been embarrassed at the harshness. Paul wrote: Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. (Colossians 4:6 NLT) Gracious and attractive. I like that.

While we blunder through our days with wrong turns and wrong numbers, we have the right answer! We possess the potential to change the course of a life for all eternity.

Heavenly Father, help me to be sensitive to those who cross my path today. Help me to be aware of divine appointments throughout all my days. Give me the right words to say at the right time to the right people. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Oswald Chambers once said, “A ready person never has to get ready.” What would you say to someone who asked you why you had hope in your life? You might want to pray about that and write it down. Get ready!

If you’re ready to get ready, leave a comment and say…”I’m ready!”

Words are one of the most powerful forces in the universe, and God has entrusted them to you and me. Every day you can speak life into the lives of others or suck the life right out of them. The choice is yours.

Let’s make the choice TODAY to use our words for good- to build one another up instead of tearing one another. Click here to join me for a FREE 5-Day Taming the Tongue Challenge. 

The re-released and updated version of my best-selling book and Bible study guide, The Power of a Woman’s Words: How the Words You Speak Shape the Lives of Others are hot off the press. It includes new content, including a chapter on the power of a woman’s words to her adult children…it’s complicated! Perfect for your women’s ministry’s next Bible study!

Get your copy of The Power of a Woman’s Words today and learn how to

  • exchange careless words that hurt for intentional words that help others succeed
  • recognize words that tear down confidence and replace them with words that build others up
  • overcome the negativity that pushes people away and become a well of positivity that draws others in
  • tame your tongue by practicing practical principles that help you think before you speak
  • stop being disappointed in your lack of control by taking hold into the power of the Holy Spirit
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Comments 45

  5. Wow this is so touching and it was if it was meant for ears to hear and, and my eyes to see. Thank you for sharing this. God Bless you!

    Reply

  6. I have written special challenges, words & quotes on the painted side of paint samples from Home Depot & Walmart.
    I then just tape them everywhere. Easy, simply
    & freely get rewarded with Taming the Tongue Jar.
    To be continued. I’m gonna ace this one if it kills me. Lol

    Reply

  7. Thank you LORD, because you give so much wisdom to Sahron and she share it so full of grace with us. Keep her and her family blessed, safe and sound. Sharon, your teachings help me a lot, I really love them!! I follow you from Romania.
    Love in Christ

    Reply

  9. I am ready.
    Thanks for the amazing words.
    They have impacted my life immediately.
    By the help of God, any form of negativity and abusive words will be replaced with positivity and motivating words.
    Amen.

    Reply

  24. I’m ready. Love the message today. I want to be more gracious and attractive in my conversations, especially with my children.

    Reply

  26. Great story! Now, when someone calls me by mistake I can say, “No, you’re call wasn’t a mistake. God has a message for you…”

    Reply

  31. “ALL THAT PLEASES IS BUT FOR A MOMENT.”(inside a wreath of roses)
    “ALL THAT TROUBLES IS BUT FOR A MOMENT”(on a cross)
    “THAT ONLY IS IMPORTANT WHICH IS ETERNAL” (on one arch)
    My friend shared with me these words at a Cathedral in Milan from her trip to Italy.

    Reply

  35. Thank you for this post; it has definitely touched a chord in my heart. I am ready to surrender to the Lord’s guidance and speak life to others and to myself. I often struggle with negative self-talk and trusting God with my life rather than struggling on my own strength and understanding. Again, thank you for these insights and your gracious way of sharing them.

    Reply

  38. I was meant to see this today. Thank you Jesus!

    I want to speak life to everyone I talk with! I want to be a encourager with all my family and friends!

    I’m ready!!

    Reply

  44. I most certainly found myself saying for most part of the message, I need to change here, I have to listen some more, I’ve got to do something more for the suffering people around me.
    Thank you so much for this message.

    Reply

  45. GOD SENDS HIS MESSENGERS AT THE TIME OF YOUR NEED
    THIS IS A TRUE MESSAGE OF HOPE, & GOD’S FAITHFUL LOVE….
    THANK YOU!

    Reply

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