Living on a Prayer

Last week, there was a lot of pressure on me. We needed so many things, but didn't have the money.

But somehow. . . some way. . . God always provided.

Let me just share a few examples:

1. My son John was in desperate need of new shoes. I was so sad about this. But did I pray?? Did I ASK so it would be GIVEN? Sadly, I didn't until the last hour; When things hit a state of crisis -when his shoes almost fell apart and I had no money for a new pair. Then I prayed. The simple, blessed result - John remembered a pair of shoes I had bought for him a couple of years ago. They had been way too big at the time. I was so excited when he mentioned them. I had him search the house. He found them. They fit wonderfully. Problem solved. Prayer Answered.

2. I have been worried about getting more pellets for our wood stove. I didn't know how we could fit the expense into this month's budget. Guess what? The weather has been shockingly warm here in Vermont. I have not even needed to wear a coat. Prayer Answered.

3. Something very foolish was on my mind today. I was so sad for a foolish reason. I was starting to get depressed because I didn't have any extra money this week for chocolate. I know this sounds so trivial, but I can get so sad when I am only eating plain things. It is almost like the joy of life is taken out of me. But God, in his precious, loving kindness, resolved this for me quickly. I only went a couple of hours before I realized that my sweet daughter, Nicole, had just bought me a large box of chocolates as a gift. There they were sitting on the table. Do you see how generous the Lord is to give us the desires of our hearts, even in little things?

My biggest problem is worrying about tomorrow or next week, when it comes to money and bills. I often forget the miraculous answers to prayer that God has provided for me over the years.

What about my Chalkboard Prayers? Oh, how quickly I (in my human frailness) forget such things!!

Lately, I have been reading so much of my Bible. I love the worn, old pages. This copy was a gift from my parents when I was a young teenager. Do I need to tell you how many tears have fallen on its pages? It is a treasure and a comfort. If I can only remain disciplined enough to read it every single day, my faith will remain strong.

Many years ago, in my church's library, I came across this wonderful book. It was about this missionary lady, who witnessed so many answers to prayer. But the most important thing I learned from her is this: Sometimes, God will lay it on your heart (or conscience) to help someone in need. You may not even know why. But when you obey.... you find out the reason. It is to answer the prayer of the other person. On the other hand, when you ignore this urging (of the Holy Spirit), the other person goes without the need, or it takes much longer for them. God uses all of us to help answer the prayers of His children. It is the most incredible thing. We have experienced this so many times, and were used to bless other families.

You see, if I can just remember this, I will have so much more faith in my own prayers. To live on a prayer.... is what every single one of us should strive to do. Why? Because we end up completely and totally trusting God for all our needs. This is the strongest and greatest form of faith we Pilgrims and Strangers can have on this earth.

Blessings
Mrs. White