What About Me?

Sometimes we don’t realize all of the blessings that the Lord gives us daily. It’s easy to notice the BIG things that happen. But what of the small daily answers to our prayers?

I find myself doing this quite frequently, looking for the BIG answers to my prayers. I pray and then wait…and wait and when it doesn’t happen or doesn’t appear to happen the way I asked for it, I think, “Well, I guess I don’t deserve it.” Or on those certain days that I’m feeling particularly sorry for myself, “Why doesn’t God ever answer my prayers? I try to do what’s right and nothing! What have I done wrong that he never gives me what I need?”

The funny thing is, He is giving me EXACTLY what I need at that time in my life. No, it may not be what I asked for, because I have tunnel vision (my perspective) and He sees the BIG picture (HIS perspective). His timing, way and guidance are what will direct me toward the right path as I travel up my daily mountain.

I need to remember to stop as I walk up my complicated hill and see the small blessings all around me, the answers to prayers that I didn’t even ask for. The unexpected card from a friend or a smile from someone when I’m feeling down, an opportunity to help someone in need, people taking time to pray for me and my family, health, love and friendship. These small everyday blessings from God let us know that he truly cares about us and is looking out for each and everyone of us along our journey.

So when you feel discouraged, remember to stop and reflect on how the Lord answered a need in your life today…it may be something small, but it came at just the right time. Stop your constant rushing and take a moment each day to look around…GOD is trying to show His love for you!

By: Lisa Petrarca

"And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."
Matthew 21:22

His Timing's Always Right!

AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME
By: Joe Stowell

Why is being on time so challenging for some of us? Even when we start early, something inevitably gets in our way to make us late. But here's the good news: God is always on time! Speaking of the arrival of Jesus, Paul said, "When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son" (Gal. 4:4) The long-awaited, promised Savior came at just the right time.

Jesus' arrival during the Roman Empire's Pax Romana (the peace of Rome) was perfect timing. The known world was united by one language of commerce. A network of global trade routes provided open access to the whole world. All of this guaranteed that the gospel could move rapidly in one tongue. No visas. No impenetrable borders. Only unhindered access to help spread the news of the Savior whose crucifixion fulfilled the prophecy of the Lamb who would be slain for our sins (Isa. 53). All in God's perfect timing!

All of this should remind us that the Lord knows what time is best for us as well. If you're waiting for answered prayer or the fulfillment of one of His promises, don't give up. If you think He has forgotten you, think again. When the fullness of time is right for you, He'll show up---and you'll be amazed by His brilliant timing!

Not ours to know the reason why
Unanswered is our prayer,
But ours to wait for God's own time
To lift the cross we bear.~Anon.

GOD'S TIMING IS ALWAYS PERFECT!