Unexpected answers and provision

The forecast predicted rain. Finally, a glimmer of hope for moisture.

“Oh, Lord,” I prayed, “Please send us rain. You know how desperately we need rain. You know all of our needs and we are trusting you will provide.”

The clouds gathered in the grey morning sky. Rain was on its way, I was certain. But hours later, the sun was shining and all traces of rain had disappeared for the day.

In the midst of a long drought, producing lake beds that are cracked and dry, rain would have been a nice bit of relief.

But I woke the next morning to the unexpected sight of snow on the ground. From a prediction of rain to the reality of snow, the weather had taken a surprising turn of events.

The girls peered out the window at the trace amounts of snow. “Look, Mommy, look! Snow!” They squealed and giggled with delight. Any type of moisture in our part of the country elicits great appreciation and attention, and I smiled with realization that my prayer had been answered.

God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways;
    he does great things beyond our understanding.
 He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’
    and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’
 So that everyone he has made may know his work…

Job 37:5-7

God hears our prayers, friends. Our words and requests are not falling on deaf ears, but our eyes are often blind to recognizing His answer.

Sometimes his answer is no. Sometimes it’s exactly yes. And sometimes, it comes in a form that, if not mindful, we won’t recognize.

Praying for rain, I never expected snow. But rain and snow accomplish God’s purposes of giving moisture to the earth and making himself known. And around here, snow is a rare sight, rarer than rain. But that’s how God often does things. In unexpected, rare, divine ways.

So what are you praying for? What request have you presented to God?

Keep your eyes open. Don’t miss His answer by holding out only for the specific. Because God will answer. He will provide. But it may come in a form different than expected.