The Healing Journey

February 12, 2024

“My life is one long daily, hourly record of answered prayer. For physical health, for mental overstrain, for guidance given marvelously, for errors and dangers averted, for enmity to the Gospel subdued, for food provided at the exact hour needed, for everything that goes to make up life and my poor service. I can testify, with a full and often wonder-stricken awe, that I believe God answers prayer.”
— Mary Slessor

When we ask God for help, there are a few “follow-up steps” we should take. First, don’t be afraid to keep asking. You’ll never wear him down with your petitions. And it’s equally important to stay vigilant and recognize when the help comes.

Most of God’s miracles don’t have the pyrotechnics and panorama that the parting of the Red Sea did. Day after day and night after night, he’s there to help us, but very often that help comes in small almost imperceptible ways, which we won’t recognize if we’re distracted. That also means if you’re too focused on your pain, you won’t be able to see the relief that God is sending you, which usually involves acts of love and kindness and beauty and peace.

Look for them … a house wren alights on your window sill and starts to sing, a friend you haven’t talked to since college suddenly calls, a grumpy neighbor you don’t particularly like leaves you a meal (which you may not particularly like), but the kindness is overwhelming. These small acts are evidence that God is at work and answering your prayers. Be sensitive to his actions in your life. And don’t forget to say thank you.

People who are unaccustomed to asking God for help may not see the pattern of his divine plan in their lives until months or years later. And then, they will have an “Aha!” moment. God will often involve different people, who themselves may not realize the help they’re giving you. You see, God works in multidimensional spiritual, emotional and physical ways that our minds can’t immediately perceive, although our hearts can.

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