When you are at a crossroads, pray

I f you could ask God for something in your life, what would it be? And if you knew that He would grant your request, what would you ask?

I’ve heard it said, “When we work, we work… but when we pray, God works.” For God’s overcoming power is released in the lives of people who earnestly pray.

“Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.” Hebrews 4:14.

God can change impossible circumstances. So keep praying, hoping, believing, and striving; seeking God’s direction, wisdom and will. God is looking for opportunities to pour out His blessings to you. He has the ability to intervene and is well-able to bless you beyond what you can imagine.

Some time ago, I heard a fictional story about a man who was in a boating accident. Unharmed, he swam to safety to an uninhabited island. Daily, the man prayed feverishly asking God to rescue him. Yet, day after day, no one came to save him. So, to protect himself from the elements, the man built a little hut out of driftwood. However, one afternoon, when he arrived back after scavenging the island for food, he found his hut in a burst of flames; the smoke rolling up high into the grayish-blue sky.

Overwhelmed with grief, the man looked up to the heavens and implored, “God, how could you do this to me?” It appeared that the worst had happened. The man lost his home, and in a spirit of despair, he was so distraught from the fire, he felt that all hope for a rescue was gone. On the ground, sobbing uncontrollably and exhausted, eventually, the man fell asleep.

As daylight broke, the man was awakened by the sound of a ship’s horn that was approaching the island. A crew was coming to rescue him. Now, aboard the ship, safe and secure, the man questioned his rescuers, “How did you know I was here?” he asked.

One of his rescuers answered, “We saw your smoke signal... or else we never would have known you were on that island.”

The man was stunned, as he dropped to his knees in thankfulness to God. For finally, the man understood: Even in the midst of pain and suffering, God is at work.

When circumstances are difficult, it’s easy to get discouraged. But no life is a series of smooth, upward steps. Each one of us experiences trials and heartaches at one time or another. Nonetheless, God will lead us through. Therefore, we must never lose heart or become defeated even if a situation seems insurmountable. For God can turn around even adverse conditions for our good.

Thus, bring your cares and concerns to God in prayer. Trust in Him. A friend of mine, Jean has a plaque on her desk at work that reads: “If you’re going to worry, don’t pray and if you’re going to pray, don’t worry.”

Take heart; God is always with you.

Once, there was an 18-year-old lad who wanted to leave his family’s country farm where he was raised, to venture out on his own to the big city. After some time, the lad’s father agreed to allow his son to go forth alone.

The father took the lad to the train station, hugged him goodbye, and with his suitcase in hand, the youngster boarded the train.

At first, the lad was bold and excited to see the world. Yet, never being away from the comforts of home and not knowing anyone in the big city, he became frightened.

As the lad sat by himself on the train, the conductor came by. He was particularly friendly to the young lad, and talked with him for a long time, giving him advice on where to go and how to get around in the city. Then, a kindly, smiling woman approached the lad. She offered him some food to eat and since she lived in the city, she gave him her address in case he needed anything. Next, a business man approached the lad and told him that when they reached their destination, he’d walk with him and help him to find a nice place to stay and, possibly, lend a hand in securing him a job.

Months later, the lad learned a secret. His father was riding the train to the city with him. The father sat quietly, sight unseen in a seat in the back and devotedly sent people to help his beloved son.

You are a much-loved daughter or son of God. And all along life’s path, just as the lad’s father sent people to assist his lad, your heavenly Father will send people to help you.

A dear reader wrote via email, “Do not worry now. Do not worry tomorrow. Do not worry about anything, as everything will be all right.”

God works in mysterious ways. And on His time schedule, He will put His powers forward and send the best opportunities, the right career, a good home and kindhearted, helpful people into your life.

Today, pray and trust in God’s faithfulness; He is holding out His loving arms to you. For one day you will see that all of your heart’s dreams have finally come together. And what you have prayed for and always wished for has finally and wonderfully come to pass.

All good things are about to happen. Anticipate what’s in store!