God Hears Your Prayers!

03/06/2022

A weekend was coming up, a special one at that. On Sunday was my beloved's birthday. I prayed he'd have a perfect day - he deserved one. But after a bad fibro week when my body had been playing up in all sorts of ways, I was exhausted and in pain. One of the challenges of having a chronic illness is that you can't choose what you will feel like on a given day. My body often acts like a bad tempered toddler who doesn't get his way. Demanding. Obstinate. Throwing tantrums. Loud.

'Lord - let my beloved have a perfect birthday weekend' I whispered.

'Let my body work well, so I can bless Shan.'

After three rough days, when pain and fatigue levels had been close to 10/10 on the Eek scale. Friday turned out very different. My body was still in protest mode. But My brain worked fine, like well-oiled machinery operating at full throttle. I spent a lovely morning - one of the best - enjoying moments of intimacy with my Father, hearing Him speak in soft tones through His Word, His whispers and His presence. Tears fell, but they were all happy tears. Like a thirsty plant when springtime showers arrived, my heart was soon soaking in His life giving words.

That afternoon too was unusual. I was able to write the first draft of a sermon for my next chapel service in two hours - I'd usually take a week! Thank you God. It was one of those rare productive days - one I'd not seen in a long while, so how my heart rejoiced! Would the weekend be equally good? Saturday was a squally one - showers interspersed with sunshine. Shan and I agreed that it was rainbow weather, so I asked God for one. But ... after a few moments of reflection, I said: "You know what, Lord, even though a rainbow would be wonderful, I'd rather have instead a perfect weekend for my beloved."

We were out a lot that Saturday so my eyes scanned the skies for a rainbow. But no, the skies remained unresponsive. But ... it didn't matter. It didn't matter a whit. Like an Ice cream truck that served me my favourite flavour of ice cream, the weekend delivered exactly what I'd asked for. The sun shone bright all morning on Shan's birthday, contrary to the weather forecast's dire prediction. I was also in good-enough health so was able to shower my man with all the love he richly deserved, cooking him food to feast on and presenting him with cards and gifts to brighten his day. The evening brought us showers of blessing and that was good too. God had answered my prayers.

Sometimes I am busy looking for what I think is evidence of God's love, when in reality He's answering me with what I truly need. And here's a PS to that lovely weekend. On Monday, God surprised me with a rainbow. Actually, it wasn't one. It was FOUR RAINBOWS in 24 hours - two little ones and two full rainbows. I am sure He was showing off!

Life in this covid world has not been easy. So it's extra special when hopes are realised and prayers are answered. A day of better health. Sunshine. Love. Quiet moments that touched us, like gentle waves lapping on the shore. Sometimes, I seek one thing but God gives me another! But as I look back, I find that He's answered my heart's desires. For instance, I didn't get into University to study science as I hoped to do when I was young. But thank God for that. He led me instead, first to computer programming - a job I loved! Later, He led me to writing, thus making my childhood dream a reality! God is good, like that! He knows what I really need!

What are your unanswered prayers? Perhaps some of them have been answered, even if not in the way you hoped? I remember a dream I had in my teens that was squashed flat, bringing me many tears at the time. But thirty years later, I had a peek at what might have been and discovered to my gratitude why He'd said No. What God had brought me in its place was much better than what I had asked for!

And what of those difficult unanswered prayers you and I are still waiting on? He's the God of hope. He's the God of the impossible. He's the God of all grace. He's the Promise Keeper. Those four rainbows He sent me assured me (and you) that He is working on my case. And yours! Joyful June has arrived. It is the season of hope! Of promises fulfilled! So hang onto your dreams. All that I have seen of the Father's heart of love helps me keep persevering on until the day dawns and the shadows flee away! Keep the faith dear friend. God has heard you.