Your prayer being answered is close at hand
“And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of Him.” (1 John 5:15).
A while back, a minister told a story to his congregation. When he had first started at the new church, he was given a preowned automobile that he drove to various towns in order to pray for people. “However, the car wouldn’t start without a push,” he described, smiling.
Then, the minister explained how each morning he would ask someone to help him push-start the car. And all through the day, while the minister visited numerous homes, he would keep the car running in their driveways.
Years later, a new preacher came to the area, as the minister was to be sent to a new city. Before he left, the minister handed the new preacher the keys to the automobile and explained his method for starting it. “Daily, you just give the car a push,” the minister grinned with a confident expression, as they walked outside and stood next to the car.
The new preacher looked confused. “Hold on a moment,” he said, “I have an idea.” He lifted up the hood of the car, leaned forward underneath, and jiggled some wires. His first attempt failed. A bit confused, the minister didn’t say anything. He just stood there. So, the new preacher tried again. And soon he found a loose cable. The new preacher twisted it. To their surprise, in less than five minutes, the car started. The power was there all along. It just needed to be connected! God loves you. He is continuously with you. And, likewise, your connection to Him is always available. Thus, be persistent in your prayers. Pray with boldness. Dare to ask for your heart’s desires. It doesn’t matter what your circumstances look like, there is no limit as to where God can take you. You have so much to offer. For God hasn’t brought you this far on your journey to give up on you now. Soon, you will receive your prayer miracle. God will reward your great faith with wonderful blessings.
In the Bible, Joseph was unfairly treated and spent more than 10 years in a dark dungeon. But it was his unwavering prayers and faithfulness which eventually landed him on the throne, making Joseph governor of all of Egypt. (Genesis 41). Esther prayed for God’s help and mercy, and a nation was delivered. (Esther 9:31). Daniel prayed while he was in the lion’s den. The mouths of lions were shut, and Daniel was not harmed. (Daniel 6:22). Joshua prayed and persisted. He followed God’s instructions circling the walls of Jericho seven times. And eventually, the walls came crumbling down. (Joshua 6:15-17). And Hezekiah prayed, and his life was extended. (2 Kings 20).
When was the last time you asked God to do something amazing? When people pray, God acts.
• Maybe you are concerned about a situation. Pray, for God is saying: Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in Me. (John 14:1)
• It could be that you’re frustrated and ready to quit. Pray, for God is saying: Wait for Me. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. (Psalm 27:14)
• Possibly, you can’t seem to get over something that happened long ago. Pray, for God is saying: Forget the past and look forward to what lies ahead. (Philippians 3:13)
• You may not know which way to turn. Pray, for God is saying: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you and watch over you. (Psalm 32:8)
• Perhaps, the report doesn’t look good. Pray, for God is saying: I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal. (Jeremiah 30:17)
For with prayer, nothing is impossible. So don’t give up now. Your prayer being answered is close at hand. All good things are about to happen. God has a great plan and purpose for your future. He is able to turn adverse circumstances around, and you’ll come forth triumphantly. God knows how to arrange the situations and people that you need to get your life back on track. Therefore, keep praying. Keep believing and expecting God to do extraordinary things. God works in response to your prayers.
A while back, a dear reader wrote me a letter via e-mail, “I was in the midst of testing for breast cancer and I was very worried and anxious. The night before my bone scan, while driving home from work, I began praying that God would show me a sign that He would be with me throughout the test. When I got home about 30 minutes later, I began to read the newspaper. Just as I was finishing, your column appeared before my eyes! I had never read your column before.”
The reader continued, “The message was that I didn’t need to fear, God was already in tomorrow, taking care of all the details. Those words you wrote were a source of strength for me that day and for many days, weeks and months after as I went through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. I am now in remission for three years, praise God.”
There is a peace that I have come to know as I hear such testimonies of the little reminders of God’s tender love and care. God smiled on this woman and sent a newspaper column to give her guidance and inspiration. You know, there are no coincidences between God and His children.
Today, return to a place of peace, for God is tapping you on the shoulder and saying, “I am here with you. I love you. Yes, I am right here.”
So despite what has happened in the past or regardless of how challenging your situation appears to be right now, “Cast all your cares upon Him; for He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7).
Continue to pray and always do your best. And… God will do the rest.
Email Catherine Galasso Vigorito at cgv@ anewyouworldwide.com. To order a copy of her latest book, “The Open Window, 8 Weeks to Creating an Extraordinary Life,” visit www.anewyouworldwide.com or bookstores nationwide.