1 Chronicles 29:11a — “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth …” Faith is the key that unlocks the answers to our prayers. We must be so acquainted with God that we genuinely believe who He is and that He rewards those who seek Him. When we desire to expand our faith in God, He often uses small answers to prayer to move us forward. A recent stormy night found me on the way to the store. After arriving, a great torrent let loose. Driving rain pelted the roof, as I waited in line with my loaded cart wondering how I was going to unload my purchases and make it home. That morning I had read a Bible verse with descriptions of God that intrigued me. As I stood dreading the next moments of running through the storm with a loaded cart, I remembered that my God had power over nature. “Lord,” I prayed, “Getting soaked isn’t a major disaster, but my feet hurt. Please stop the rain – just until I load the packages and get home.” The rain continued and I prepared myself with some excuse why God hadn’t answered my pitiful request. Getting ready to run, a poncho clad man approached and asked to watch my cart while I brought my car around. Agreeing, I darted to the truck and brought it under the protection of the store’s awning where the man helped me load. I gratefully thanked him and headed home. Pondering the events at the store I became bolder. “Lord, thank you for answering, but I still have to get my packages into the house, and I won’t have any help there. I’ve been trying to grow in faith, so won’t you please stop the rain when I get home?” The rain continued and each time I wondered about my dilemma I pushed the thoughts aside. I had asked the Lord to help and I was going to believe He would. He had provided at the store, so surely He’d finish the job. As I approached our lane, the storm suddenly stopped. I parked and carried all the bags along the sidewalk into the kitchen. I was dry. The bags were dry. And I was home. Getting home through a storm. Carrying groceries into the house. Why did God answer these insignificant prayers? I believe that even more than keeping me dry He wanted to expand my faith for the even bigger requests for which I am praying. Faith unlocks the answers to our prayers – and even that faith comes from Him. Sometimes our God answers the smallest of prayers in surprising ways in order to help us trust Him even more. Sandra Sheridan is a Midwest wife and mother of five. She shares her messages to her children with Farm World. Visit her at www.VersesFromMama.com |
