Answered Prayers of 2018
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God answers prayers. However, it may not always be in the way we would hope, or according to our timing and expectations. Then other times, God gives us exactly what we ask for. This post will not address the hows and whys of God answering prayer. It is simply a post to show you that He does; and I'll do that by sharing what God has done in my life, and in the lives of others around me.
As you may or may not know, I journal. I journal about life, my cares, needs, and concerns. I'll make note if there's anything particularly weighing heavy on my heart, or if there's an urgent prayer request. I also make note of what God is doing and how He is working. This is how I keep track of prayer requests and answered prayers.
The answered prayers that I will list are directly and specifically from people in my life; but out of respect, I will not write their names. I want you to know that these are direct prayers I myself have prayed or interceded for, not any that I heard from someone or read somewhere. Additionally, I want you to know that God answers wants and needs in all areas of our life, whether we are paying attention or not.
This past year, God answered prayer about:
Marriage: God has provided for new marriages and also marriage breakthroughs, healing, and restoration
Childbearing and childbirth: Loved ones have gotten pregnant and others already pregnant, have had safe and smooth deliveries (despite the doctor's diagnosis).
Salvation: People have gained salvation! Some who have walked away, have since turned back to God. God has helped people overcome addictions, unforgiveness, and past trauma.
Healing: Our Great Physician has healed the mind, body, spirit, and soul. He's provided numerous emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical healing. Many people who were hospitalized and in critical conditions, came out of that state and with time, their bodies recovered.
Safety and Protection: God watches over people who travel, gets them safely to their destinations and back. He also cares for us on a daily basis.
Provision: God has answered financial needs, met physical needs, and provided material needs. (ie: appliances, money, food, medication, etc.)
Other: He's made a way for things that people worry about like health insurance, property taxes, and children's appointments. Sometimes it's things not of material value like clarity, direction, peace of mind, and a new perspective or an attitude change. Other times it's just those deep, quiet whispers of the heart when you need strength, courage, peace, or comfort.
Glory and praise to God for all that He’s done! If you have a similar need, pray! Keep believing and find some Bible verses that relate to your need, then lift them up to God. That is what I had to do. I had to look up God's Word, stand on it (in faith), and speak out His promises.
Now personally, I am listing 5 significant requests of mine that were answered last year:
Prayerfully Pam Event-God provided venue, speakers, snacks, team, and door prizes
Father's surgery- He is in his 70's, and it went well. I was able to be there immediately before and after surgery.
School- I really wanted a school that taught and integrated Godly principles and psychology, and something taught in person. My husband found the school, and I was accepted into the program.
Move- God provided us a nice home, in a good location, within the price range that we were comfortable with. He also provided my husband a job, and me a work-at-home gig. Our home is also close to my school and husband's job. We got to our destination safely.
Husband's surgery- My husband injured his ACL, MCL, and Meniscus. The surgery went well, and he had a smooth healing and recovery.
Healing journey- A woman dear to us had cancer and needed a liver transplant. God gave her a liver after only a days of being on the waiting list. After the surgery, she fell into a coma. By God's hand, she came out of the coma and recovered. She is thriving today, and the cancer is gone.
Transformation and renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2)- I am far from perfect; yet God continues to work in me, and show me my errors. He is always teaching me about forgiveness, humility, patience, and love. I always ask myself, have I changed or grown much (in Christ) this past year? If the answer is no, it means I need to spend more time with Christ: praying, worshiping, reading the Bible, and do other activities conducive to my spiritual growth and health. It is only when we spend time with him, that we can become more like him. We cannot do it all by ourselves. Only God can make lasting changes.
My point is, no prayer is too big or too small for God! Now, I didn't list the prayers God hasn't answered, because I am still praying (in hope) and standing (in faith) that they are still yet to be answered! Remember, we don't determine how and when God does it, He decides that. We just do our part by believing and petitioning! Don’t give up! If you have not had your requests answered, don't stop praying. Be persistent. Pray on! Furthermore, not all prayers are answered here on Earth or in our lifetime, but there is power in prayer. Some of your blessings are because people have prayed for you, some of who aren't even here today to witness it! You are reaping the blessings of their hard pressed petitions and supplications! Some prayers are simply mysteries, and God reserves those answers for Heaven. We don't need to have to have it all figured out, as much as we ought to just pray. So, what are you waiting for?
Let us pray!
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for all of the prayers You have answered, and for those You will answer in time. Thank You for those You didn't answer, as You knew we weren't ready for them or that they would not be helpful to us. Thank You that You are in control, and that You hear us when we pray; You know every prayer even before we say them (Matthew 6:8)! Thank You for Your Word that says (in Matthew 7:7), we have to ability to ASK (and receive), SEEK (and find), KNOCK (and it will be open). You are the Giver, Provider, Protector, Physician, Pharmacist, Advocate, Comforter, Accountant, Lawyer, and so much more. Open our eyes to the way You've answered our prayers and blessed us. Show us all that we have to be thankful for. Thank You that those who seek You do not lack any good thing (Psalm 34:10). Remind us to seek You to know You, so that we may know our identity in Christ and have a relationship with You, not just as a reason to get our prayers answered. Bring us into deeper understanding, meaning, and knowledge of You. You are Grand, Powerful, Loving, Mighty, and Strong. Yours is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory forever and ever. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Prayerfully,
Pam
