My sweet young friend Sarah had called. She sobbed into the phone as she told me a series of poor choices and wrong accusations had landed her in jail. She begged me to visit so I promised I would.

The next day I called to learn about visiting hours. They were on Wednesday, two days away. I put the time in my calendar so I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to go and encourage her.

Wednesday came with its usual fill of responsibilities. A conversation delayed me from leaving on time, so I arrived forty-five minutes late. I hoped I’d still get to see her.

I locked my car and crossed the parking lot. People were streaming out and disappointment filled me. Perhaps I was too late. I picked up my pace and as I entered, I noticed a large waiting area, full of people. Another group of people formed a long line passing through a door to the back. I looked around seeking direction on what to do. Behind the line of people, I noticed a desk with a sign, “Visitors must sign in,” along with another sign, "Once you've signed in, do not leave the waiting area". As the last of the visitors cleared the area, I made my way to the desk and caught the attention of the attendant.

Before I could even speak, the attendant looked away and put her finger to her earpiece, listening. Then she called out, “Anyone here for Sarah?” I raised my hand. She nodded to acknowledge me.

"I haven't signed in yet," I confessed as I fished out my identification. She pointed to the tablet on the table and without giving me another look, turned toward the waiting area and repeated, “Anyone here for Sarah?”

When no one stepped forward, she turned back to me, "You can take that visit then since no one else is here." With that, she opened the large door and motioned me through.

Sarah sat behind the heavy glass window as she waited for her visitor. Tears were in her eyes. Her hands were cuffed as she sat shaking in her chair. We talked for twenty minutes and, when our time neared the end, I prayed for her. As we parted, Sarah had a smile on her face.

When I re-entered the waiting area, I felt puzzled about how I managed to visit without having signed in. I stopped to ask the attendant about typical protocol so I would know what to do in the future.

“Normally visitation starts at 3:00. Today it was delayed. Once you sign in, we’ll call the prisoner forward for the visit.”

I thanked her and left the building. As I walked to my car, I felt an overwhelming sense of awe at what God had just done. Although I had arrived later than planned, I was there at the exact time to see Sarah. Although I hadn’t signed in, God had reserved a spot for me. Talk about a prison miracle. Perhaps not like Peter being taken out of prison by an angel, or Paul’s prison doors being opened by an earthquake, but God’s hand certainly guided on our visit. What a great reminder for Sarah that He never forgets us no matter where we are.

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (NIV)