God answers prayer! Take that into the day with you. God hears and answers prayer. The Bible expressly tells this to the world. When people tell you it is mere coincidence, be prepared to be amazed at the number of coincidences which happen when you’ve prayed. Yet often the biggest difficulty we have is in recognising God’s answers. For as with our children, we don’t jump to their every passing whim and shifting fancy, but we do love them despite their shifting passions, and we take note of what they want, and even more notice of what they need. Well, here are the words of an unknown Confederate Soldier, cast in bronze in the lobby of the Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation in the City of New York. You have heard them before – so have I, but they never fail to touch me:
“I asked for strength, that I might do great things
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy.
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness that I might feel my need of God.
I asked that in all things I might enjoy life.
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing I asked for – but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men, most richly blessed.”
I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. Psalm 116: 1-2
Now read all of Psalm 116