The Fulfillment
Story Cash came over yesterday. Her first visit to our house is a memory we will hold dear. And one of many more to come through the years. The emotions you feel holding a newborn baby are indescribable. We beheld her splendor. The one longed for and prayed over is here at last. Not just in our imagination, but in our living room. This is real. She is beauty personified in one tiny body. An eternal soul wrapped up in the awesome creativity of our God. The Bible says children are a reward from the Lord. It’s no wonder we oooh and ahhh over her. She is a miracle.
I am reminded of the many women in the Bible who begged God for children. We read that Hannah wept much as she prayed to the Lord in anguish and grief, until the Lord remembered her. When she gave birth to Samuel, she declared that there was no one like the Lord, no Rock like her God. His birth caused a welling up of thanksgiving and praise to the Creator. May it be the same for us when God answers our prayers, whatever they might be. A verse in 2 Corinthians 1:11 says it all.
Then many will give thanks on our behalf
for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
“To the prayers of many.” Not only our prayers. But those of numerous others. The Body of Christ interceding. And now giving thanks for the answer. Our words of praise will never be recorded on pages of inspired scripture. But we can declare them on social media, on this blog, and among our friends and family. Our God rules and reigns! He is Sovereign over our desires! He answers prayer and deserves glory and praise. A baby’s birth may not seem miraculous until you’ve experienced it for yourself. Our culture can claim what they will, but we declare she’s a miracle! For a divinely created baby girl came to live in our family this month. We can’t stop thanking God for her. It is His hand that has done this, and we are telling everyone about it.
Scripture readings:
Philippians 4:6 Pray about everything;
tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank Him for his answers.
Psalm 145:16 You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
Isaiah 41:20 So that all people may see and know, consider and understand,
that the hand of the Lord has done this.
Psalm 105:1-2 Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done.
Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts.
1. What answers to prayer have you seen in your life?
2. How concerned is God about your personal desires?
3. What stands out to you about the hand of the Lord in these verses?
4. What will our “telling” do for other people?
It’s important to tell our children and grandchildren about answered prayer. You can be sure our Story will hear hers from our own mouths some day. Voicing our thanks to God, as well as telling others what He has done, helps us face new situations with renewed hope. Our faith increases as we recognize God ruled over our circumstances in the past and will continue to do so in the future. May we help others see, know, consider and understand what the Lord’s hand has done for us. Rather than taking God’s blessings for granted, let’s recognize it was His hand…and none other.
When I think of all the prayers the LORD has blessed me with answers – all of the many times HE has healed my body – and now HE and HIS Angels are my companions during each day since Louis has gone to sing in the Angel Choir in HEAVEN – the LORD needed him in Heaven – I will be going to be with him someday and enjoy all of the joys of HEAVEN. Now back to the lesson question – what answers to prayer have I seen in my life – this page is just not long enough for me to list them all – even since I was a small child the LORD has blessed my life with many healings – HE has been so good to me and I just want to get as close to HIM in my daily life as possible and help lead others to know HIM in their lives. GOD is always concerned about HIS children down here on earth and wants us to prosperous in each one of our lives – we are to do HIS will on earth and be HIS teachers. The hand of the LORD is always around us and in these verses – you and I are to let other know what the Hand of the LORD has done for us in our lives – we are HIS workers on this earth. By telling other – you and I will bring more people into the knowledge of fully knowing GOD and this is so important since we are his followers. The things that happen in my life are always the HAND OF GOD. And I believe that Story Cash is a miracle from the LORD – she is so beautiful – enjoy her each day and I know you guys will teach her the way of the LORD – she will be a great witness for GOD and work in HIS field. Thanks again – Karen – for a wonderful lesson – Enjoy them so much.
First, Karen, congratulations. Such an amazing blessing. You are right that it is so very important to talk to our children when we receive an answer to our prayers. I believe it creates a real part of their foundation for them to build their faith on as they learn the Word for themselves. Also, good to write them down because I know in my life, the enemy has come to steal the memory from me. I’m sure that won’t happen in this case :-), but all too often we get an answer to a prayer then later forget all about it. I’m reminded of how often God told the Israelites to REMEMBER! Something we need to take steps to be sure we do as well.