Sermon Illustrations
In a Fire, Pray and Run
The Billy Graham Center is located on the campus of Wheaton College in Illinois. It houses an auditorium, classrooms, and a museum containing priceless artifacts.
On June 8, 2004, fire engulfed a portion of the center's roof. The thick cloud of black smoke was visible from miles away. Workmen apparently caused the accidental blaze, which left a portion of the building damaged by smoke, fire, and water.
When the alarm sounded, some of those in the center evacuated the building immediately. Fear kept others inside, remaining there until firefighters arrived and escorted them to safety.
A woman named Joylin was one of the fearful ones uncertain about what to do. She recounts, "One of the women said, 'Why don't we stay back and pray?' The rest of us were like, 'I think we need to get out.'"
Are there times when you just keep praying when the need for action is obvious?