All I Could Say Was Jesus

By: Keefe Wilson

Friday, August 14, 2026

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV)

Years ago, my wife and I were traveling from Louisiana back to our Air Force duty station in North Dakota. I was tired, so my wife offered to keep driving while I slept. Suddenly, I was awakened by the sound of blaring truck horns. When I looked up, we were in the middle of an intersection, and three 18-wheelers were heading straight for us! It happened so fast, there was nothing I could do. I didn’t have time for a long prayer or to quote Scripture. Instead, I cried out for help in my loudest voice and said: “JESUS! JESUS! JESUS!”

Those three trucks immediately stopped! There we were, sitting in that intersection surrounded by three massive trucks—everything was eerily quiet. We gathered ourselves and drove safely through that intersection. As a young Christian, I knew that whenever I was facing something frightening, I had to cry out the name of Jesus. In my heart, I knew He would be right there. That day reminded my wife and I that in an emergency, you won't always have time for long prayers—you just need to know the right name to call on... the name of Jesus.

In our opening verse, Solomon tells us that in times of trouble, the strong name of the Lord will keep us safe. He's our strong Tower, our place of shelter, defense, and protection. As Christ followers, we must understand that the name of Jesus is our prayer; His name is our cry for help, and His name is more than enough.

...at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. Philippians 2:10

At times, we think our prayers must be long and perfectly worded for God to hear them. But that day at the intersection reminded me of a powerful truth: when life comes at us faster than we can react, we must call on Jesus. When fear overwhelms you, when danger surrounds you, and you don't know what to do or say, you may not have time for a long prayer—just call on Jesus!

Whatever you are facing—fear, danger, temptation, or uncertainty—there is power in the name of Jesus. When you are in a situation that seems beyond your control—there is power in the name of Jesus. When your strength is gone—call on Jesus. When things don't make sense and you can't see a way out—call on Jesus.

When you don’t know what else to say, just say His name—Jesus!