If you're a regular reader of this blog, it's safe to say that you've probably prayed. Have your prayers been answered?
I want to tell you about an answered prayer that happened to me last Tuesday.
At church this past Sunday, we discussed praying with exactness. Telling God exactly what you need. Letting go of childish prayers like, "Please bless everyone." Instead, telling God the very thing you need and praying with faith. Knowing that God will accomplish it.
Enter my latest round of edits for Undercover Sheriff, which I have just learned will be one of April's Love Inspired Historicals. I have a deadline, and naturally, it was short. They often are. I needed to read through 70 pages of this manuscript each day to meet my deadline. It's doable, but not easy.
I had two editors, and while they are absolutely excellent at polishing my manuscript, they aren't easy on me.
You can see from this snapshot an example, eight of the pages I needed to read through.
So, Tuesday morning, I prayed. With Exactness. With Faith. I told God I needed to get at least 70 pages done that day.
"Lord, I don't want you to just help me. I want you to actually get me through this. Past my goal. Way past my goal."
My goal was to reach page 210.
That day, I received only one phone call. A telemarketer. I hung up.
My car was in the shop, and when I called to see when I had to pick it up, I was told the wrong parts came in and I need not bother walking the half hour down to the shop to get it.
I received NO pressing emails until I reached my goal. I didn't even receive the email reminding me I was to blog here today, until Wednesday morning!
And I more than reached my goal. I reached page 236. 26 more pages beyond what I needed to reach that day.
To some of you, this may seem a silly example of answered prayer, but it was still that. An answered prayer. A Godsend.
I prayed with exactness. With Faith. I knew that I was asking for something according to His will and I KNEW He could and would do it.
My story, Undercover Sheriff, due out April 2017, has the theme of Trust. Trust in the Lord. Last year, when this story started to grow in my brain, who would know that today, I'd be telling you how the theme is reflected in my own spiritual journey?
I didn't.
Have you prayed lately with exactness and faith? Tell me about it.
Wait, there's more!
This is where it gets crazier. I sent the manuscript to my editor, and while I was doing so, I realized that my deadline wasn't the 2nd November, but the 3rd November!
What??!! I had another day? How did I screw that up?
My husband and I laughed it off over supper, saying I had a free day.
Then the phone rang.
My husband's sister was calling. Their mother is sick and they needed someone to run her up to the hospital for tests the next day and no one was available.
My husband and I looked at each other. I no longer had a deadline. I was free. And, I believe, God knew it.
So, here, now, Thursday morning, I am just minutes from walking out the door (for my husband will drive me down to his parents' place before going to work because remember, I have no car) here I am updating you.
With another amazing story of God's providence at work.
Have you got a story that amazing? Tell us.
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If you've already read the post and have returned to check the comments, please re-read it for an exciting update! God is amazing!
ReplyDeleteWow, Barb, amazing. I so needed to hear this today. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI love this post. He does answer prayers no matter how big or small. If I listed each time he'd helped me with a writing problem, or an obstacle it would take months. And he's fast too. I'll offer up a prayer as I fall asleep and in the morning the solution is there - or resolved or removed. Our God is an awesome God.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I really needed to read this post today. Thank you for sharing and reminding us that God does answer prayer.
ReplyDeleteBarb what a great testimony to God's timing. I love when He moves in ways we don't understand at the time but then can look back and see His hand working for our good.
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ReplyDeleteI had to delete the other comment because I used the wrong their/there and didn't see it until it posted. It would have bugged me all day!
ReplyDeleteBarbara, this was so timely for me.
I had a followup doctor's appointment this morning after an ER diagnosis of pneumonia. I wasn't seeing much improvement and the receptionist had warned it would be a long wait because they were so crowded.
After reading your post, I prayed specifically for the meds to start to work and for the doctor visit to go well.
Shortly after, I felt change that told me the meds had kicked in. Then I got to the doctor's office and there was only one other person there.
Praise the Lord, and thank you for your timely post.
Cate, wow! That is wonderful news! And the kicker here, is that my MIL has pneumonia too, and I told her what happened to me, and she praised God all day.
ReplyDeleteI know a woman who prays for a good parking spot because of her bad knee.
And I am so thrilled all of you took the time to write. I love that it helped you today, too.
I spent the day with my in laws and was able to make some phone calls that needed to be made. Then my husband got off early and stopped in to pick me up just as I made tea for everyone.
Loved reading your story.
ReplyDeleteAmen. That's all I can say. Amen!! I certainly have had moments such as that. Love when God seems to focus on our exact needs. So glad you made your deadline and had extra time!
ReplyDeleteThank you all for commenting! I pray that your weekend will be blessed and fruitful.
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