I can share firsthand that God is still in the business of performing miracles. Just last weekend, I received an answered prayer in a way that only God could accomplish. He heard my plea, but not only did He see fit to answer with me a resounding “Yes!”, He went above and beyond what my meager faith could scrape up and really showed off in a burst of glory, leaving me in awe with my mouth hanging wide open and tears pouring from my eyes as I marveled in the wonder and love of my Heavenly Father.
God still answers prayers. Last weekend was a prime example of how God can take the fervent plea of a woman and answer in a way that knocked her socks off! He went beyond what I had asked for, what I had even dared pray for. I learned a big lesson in faith. Why had I held back? Why had I subconsciously assumed God could only go this far, when in reality, His capability knows no limit? The only answer that came to my mind was faith.
Nothing jumpstarts your faith like an answered prayer. Maybe because of the connection we feel to our Savior when He gives us something we have asked for. Maybe because we feel that the God of the universe looked down and saw us, really saw us, for that moment in time, and gave us His full, complete attention.
I’m realizing that God wants to give us His time and attention every moment of every day, but we are the reason He can not. We’re the ones that stay too busy, that are held back by the problems and chaos of everyday life. God wants us to come to Him with everything, every tiny little detail of our day, and share in it with us. He’s there in the hard times, when we fall to our knees and realize just how much we need His help. Why not involve Him in the good times, too?
If we begin trusting Him in the everyday parts of our lives, we’ll have more faith when the big storm clouds come and our entire lives appear overcast and dreary. Give God the chance to work in your life in the small things. Incorporate prayer into the little decisions, and when its time to make a big decision, one that could possibly change your entire life, you’ll have no problem leaving it in God’s capable hands.
Matthew 17:20 “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Jesus said that it only takes faith as small as a mustard seed and we can move mountains. Not because of us, but because of God in us. Without Him, we are powerless and hopeless, but with Him nothing is impossible! If we believe, truly believe with our entire heart and being that God can do anything in our lives, we will be amazed at the results.
Realize, however, that every prayer you pray fervently will not necessarily be answered in the way you expect, or desire. God sees the big picture, and we’re stuck with blinders on, only able to recognize what’s immediately before us. We have to trust that He knows what’s best. God answers prayers in the form of “yes”, “no” and “wait”. Sometimes the hardest answer to accept is “wait”. It’s difficult to be left in limbo, wondering how God will handle our problem, but we must have faith that He will!
When I began praying for the miracle God gave me last weekend, I didn’t expect Him to answer so soon, and so completely. But He did. My faith was there, as tiny as a mustard seed, and it was sufficient. Now my faith has been given a boost. Maybe next time I find myself praying for something important to me, I’ll remember this event, how God swept in close to my heart and took care of the things that were impossible for me to do, and did them without hesitation, and maybe my faith will grow a little bit bigger. Maybe I’ll worry less and be more confidant in the endless ability of my Savior.
What are you praying for today? Is someone you love sick? Are you having problems with your spouse? Are you or your spouse suffering from an illness or an addiction? Are you hoping for a job transfer, or a positive result on a pregnancy test? Are you anxious about starting a new career? Having financial trouble? Don’t give up. God is faithful. Trust Him, in the little things and in the big. He cares, and He is there. Don’t lose hope. A miracle of your very own could be right around the corner.
On the other hand, has God answered a prayer in your life that left you breathless? Write it down. Record every detail. Have that memory available on paper so that when the storm clouds roll in and you feel lost and alone in the night, you will have proof right there in your hands of God’s unconditional love, and will then be able to cling to the unfailing Light in the darkness.
Do you feel as if your faith isn’t sufficient? That you need watermelon sized hope, or maybe faith as big as a basketball or a VW beetle?
Relax. It only takes a mustard seed.
Betsy St. Amant resides in northern Louisiana with her husband, Brandon. She is currently attending Louisiana Baptist University with a major in Christian Communications and is actively pursuing a career in inspirational writing. You can contact her at Angelkiss216@bellsouth.net.