God knows all the details. He knows your heart and your requests before you even ask. And what’s more than that – He always answers. Always.
This reminder hit me as I was trying yet another finger nail treatment. As I sat there, I prayed as I massaged it into my cuticle and nail bed.
Please let this work, I prayed. You see, I’ve struggled with my nails for a long time. Last time I specifically remember having strong nails is around my high school graduation – more than a decade ago.
Since then I have tried just about every product and vitamin known to man. And I’ve tried each one faithfully – not a passing try at it, but a lengthy finish-a-bottle/my-nails-should-be-grown-out-by-now kind of try. I’ve tried vitamins and I’ve tried treatments. I’ve paid for professional manicuring in case I’m just missing something. Artificial nails seemed to be the best thing for them as it helped protect them from peeling and breaking. And I know, I know, artificial nails aren’t the best thing for you…
But really, I feel as if I’ve about tried everything. A lofty thing to say perhaps, but surely you know how that feels. You too probably have a struggle – be it your nails, your weight, wanting to get married, looking for a house, or longing to have a baby. I think we all have something that is dear to our heart, highly important to us for our own personal reasons.
Let me fill you with hope and a new found patience and faith in God. He always answers. No exceptions, no exclusions. Always means always. It may not be in our timeline, it may not align with our plans, but He always answers. He never leaves us dangling. He’s there, working behind the scenes, lining up His plan, getting people and circumstances where they need to be so that He can come through with an answer to your prayer.
I once read that this in-between, this waiting period, is like a teacher giving students a test. The teacher hands out the papers and then he goes to the front of the classroom and waits quietly for the students to take their tests. He is silent, but he is there. The students have to do their part based on what they have been taught by the teacher. The teacher doesn’t talk and remind the students “not to worry, I’m right here. If you want the answers just ask!” No, he waits quietly knowing they have what they need for this test.
In a similar way, God has equipped each of us. Now this doesn’t mean that we have nothing left to learn, but rather that we have a foundation to build on. While we wait for the answers that are so dear to our heart that we are longing for, we need to move forward in life. He has surrounded us with a world full of possibilities, so we need to make the most of them – not get hung up on this one detail that we can’t bring about on our own.
But with that said, it is vital that we keep investigating these important things that God puts on our hearts. Keep asking, keep investigating options, and remain patient as God works His perfect plan. So often people are so quick to just accept the status quo – but that’s not the answer! Just because the answer hasn’t been presented yet doesn’t mean that it isn’t coming!
I came across a devotions journal of mine from several years ago. In it I recorded four or five separate – and yet important prayers – that were on my heart. These would truly take an act of God, I wrote. As I read through them, do you know that four of those prayers had been answered very specifically?! Remarkable! Yes, one is still on that list – but I have every expectation that in God’s perfect time it will be answered. And having that promise fills me with hope and enthusiasm for what’s ahead!
Let me just encourage you to ask boldly. Ask in faith. And practice lots of patience! We may be tempted to think, He didn’t answer my prayer in this timeline – I should just accept things as they are… No, on the contrary! This is the time to practice having faith and patience! He always answers! It might be in an hour and it might be ten years down the road – but make no mistake – He Always Answers!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. What prayers are on your heart? Feel free to share them below – I’d love to offer you encouragement as you wait for His perfect answer! For more encouragement visit https://www.theamericanlady.com/category/encouragement/