Clarence Odbody, AS2

Most of you have probably seen the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” That’s where we are introduced to Clarence Odbody. He’s a “Second Class” angel who hasn’t received his wings yet. He’s sent to Earth to prevent George Bailey from committing suicide. George is facing a situation that he sees no way out of, and to him, hope has run out.

I believe that’s what often happens when someone considers suicide. The person thinks, “There is no more hope.” But let me say this: as long as you are alive, there is hope! The devil gets excited when someone reaches what they think is the end of their rope because they are about to end one of the greatest gifts God gives us—life.

Clarence shows George what the lives of those around him would be like if he’d never been born. Seeing the pain and distress was enough to cause him to change his mind. Clarence tells George:

“Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives, and when he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”

“You see, George, you’ve had a wonderful life. Don’t you see what a mistake it would be to throw it away?”

Several years ago, I had my own “Clarence Odbody” moment. I was a young minister, and I made a bad decision that led me to leave the ministry God had called me to. I was distraught, unsure of what to do next, and afraid to face my family and friends again. I was reaching into the closet for my shotgun when my “Clarence” appeared.

Before I could grab the gun, I thought back to my childhood in church. I was probably about eight years old. One Sunday, as our pastor was preaching under a heavy anointing, a scream and commotion erupted at the back of the sanctuary. It was Sister Woodward. (I don’t remember her actual name.) She gasped and then collapsed.

Several firemen in our church rushed to her aid. After about twenty minutes, the pastor asked, “What’s going on?” One fireman responded, “Sister Woodward has died.” The pastor asked, “Did you pray?” “No,” they answered. “Well, church, let’s pray.” He led us in a prayer of faith, believing. The moment he said “Amen,” Sister Woodward got up, insisting she felt fine but agreed to go to the hospital for a checkup. By then, an ambulance had arrived.

Standing in my closet, staring at my shotgun, I thought, “That woman had no future, and her hope was gone as she took her last breath, but then God stepped in and made a way.” That thought kept me from taking my own life. Instead, I grabbed my car keys, left the house, and didn’t return until I knew I wouldn’t harm myself.

Life is precious. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or deeply down, I encourage you to reach out and talk to someone. In America, you can dial “988.” Or simply start talking to God as if He’s sitting right there with you. He already knows what you’re going through, but speaking out loud can help. He might even send angels to minister to you. You may realize later it was your own “Clarence Odbody” moment.

God loves you, and so do I. You may never realize how much your presence touches the lives of others.

“Are not the angels all ministering spirits (servants) sent out in the service [of God for the assistance] of those who are to inherit salvation?” Heb. 1:14 (AMPC)