“I’m the last man standing,” he said.

Church was just ending…

I stood at the back of the room, wearing my volunteer badge, talking with people as they left…

“Years ago, when my family came to church,” he continued, “we filled a whole row.”

“My kids, my parents, the cousins and aunts and uncles.  I’m the only one here today.”

“Some have moved away…”

“Some have died.  My parents died a long time ago.”

He paused.

“Three years ago, my wife died, too.

Now I’m the last man standing.  I could use some prayer.”

Our church has a prayer room and a whole team of people who pray for others…

But this man wasn’t asking for a referral…

He was asking for prayer.

“Would you like me to pray with you?”

He nodded…

“What would you like me to pray?”

“Pray for strength.  Pray for comfort.  Pray for wisdom.”

And so we prayed…

We thanked God that He lets us come before Him with our prayers…

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

We thanked God He has promised to share his wisdom with us…

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

We were almost finished when the man looked at me and said, “Prayer for healing would be good, too.”

He wiped tears from his eyes as we finished the prayer.

“Thank you for praying,” he said, and walked slowly toward the door.

Why do I tell this story?

As a reminder that none of us will ever be the last person standing,

Though God asks us to stand…

He never asks us to stand alone…

stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, 2 Chronicles 20:17

He promises us that He will always be with us…

Reminds us that we are never alone…

That we will never be the last person standing…

 Because He stands with us…

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomuy 31:8