How About Some Pancakes

Auntie Grace was abruptly awakened by a knife at her throat early one morning.* The burglar demanded money or he would end her life.

Auntie jumped up and said, "I don't have any money, but I bet you're hungry. Come into the kitchen and I'll fix you some pancakes. The startled thief followed her into the kitchen and sat at the table while his hostess prepared pancakes, bacon, coffee, warmed the maple syrup, and got out the butter.

As she worked, she talked the whole time about Jesus. She explained what Jesus asked of Him and what He offers in exchange. As the man ate, she continued to talk the entire time.

The man was dumbfounded. He had come to rob her and now he had pancakes and preaching. Before he left, Auntie told him that Jesus was inviting him to give His heart to Him and that God had a wonderful plan for his life. All he had to do was to let God have control of his life.

Evidently the man had had enough of the preaching. He left without speaking. She never saw him again.

Years later it was reported in Readers' Digest and on Christian TV that the thief who stayed for pancakes found Jesus. He related how she had jumped up and cooked pancakes for him and planted the seed that was the turning point in his life.

Dear Lord, please help us to speak a word for You whenever You give us opportunity.

"Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction" (2 Timothy 4:2).