A woman in a supermarket followed a grandpa and his badly behaved 3-year-old grandson.   The child screamed for candy and caused an uproar in every aisle.  Meanwhile, the grandpa spoke in a soft voice, “Dear Jesus, help William to know that we won’t be long. . .  Easy, boy.”

After another outburst, the woman heard the grandpa quietly pray, “Dear Jesus, please help William to stay calm.”  At the checkout, the little terror threw items out of the cart and the grandpa once again spoke softly saying, “Dear Lord, just a few more minutes. . .  Stay cool William and we’ll be home soon.”

When the woman saw the grandpa loading the boy into the car she said, “You were amazing how you kept your composure in that grocery store, and William is very lucky to have you as his grandpa.”

“Thanks,” said the grandpa, “but I’m William. This little boy’s name is Kevin.”

This story shows us how speaking/praying out loud gives us a chance to gather our thoughts and put things into perspective.   Just the act of saying Jesus name gives us enormous power that goes so far beyond our own tiny ability to control ourselves.

The power comes from eternal authority and the enemy has no choice but to listen.  It’s like someone saying “this is the police” on steroids!!!  The Bible says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” ^{Romans 10:13 NIV}  Saved – not only eternally, but also saved in the heat of the moment.

Calling on the name of Jesus may be the key to self-control.

Say His Great Name out loud – and often – and ask for help.  With practice, it will become second nature, and you’ll experience the coolness of his victory in those potentially heated moments!