As I worked this summer to fill all the teaching positions for our Wednesday night bible study program, I asked a woman with children in the program if she could help.
She said she would love to teach, but that with her current job she sometimes didn't get back into town until late in the evening.
She let me know that she was searching for a job locally and I told her I would pray about it. I also kept an eye on the classified section and mentioned it to my husband.
A couple of weeks later he noticed an ad for a receptionist at a company where he used to work.
The woman checked on it. No openings. But she sent them her resume to keep on file. A few weeks later she got a call.
She was prepared for God to provide, though, and jumped at the opportunity. She loves the new job and has begun teaching the toddler class on Wednesday night!
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." -- Philippians 4:6
So be careful what you pray for? You'd better!
You've probably all heard the story about the farmer who prayed for rain, then went to town without his umbrella. Yep, he got soaked!
God says in Ezekiel 34, "I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing."
Do we doubt that God will keep His word? Probably not. Do we believe in God's mighty power? I know I do! So why are we so surprised when our prayers are answered, or reluctant to even voice prayers over "something small"?
Perhaps we don't consider ourselves worthy, and believe that God has more important prayers to answer and more deserving people to care for. Well, we know none of us are really deserving, but we are forgiven.
God tells us that he knows when even a sparrow falls to the ground. That means we are dear to God. Our prayers are heard. And God always answers prayers one way or another.
So pack the umbrella!