Crazy Big Prayers
The bad news is …
From my home office, I could hear the racket. Loud, clunking arrhythmic noises were coming from something big and mechanical. At first, I thought the washing machine was out of balance and trying to walk out of the basement again but I quickly discovered my central air conditioning unit was the source of the noise.
This is all kinds of bad news! It was 90 degrees outside and there was a lot more summer on the calendar. I shut it down and called the repair man to look at it. His assessment?
“Call the sale office. You need a new unit,” he told me.
“There’s no way to fix this one?” I ask hopefully.
“This unit is 22 years old. It’s served you well. Let it die in peace.”
“I see. Well, can you estimate what it would cost to replace?”
Without a moment of hesitation, he said, “I’d guess close to $3000.00.”
Bad news = Big prayers
I nearly fainted and not from the heat! Maybe you have $3000.00 waiting to be spent on a new air conditioner, but I did not. Summer is the slow season for speaking and without much of an income, every penny in savings had been accounted for till September. I’d just have to limp along without air conditioning.
The next day was another blinger! Hot and humid. I tried to coax the air conditioner to work if even for a little while to cool and dry the air. It sputtered but then started making the clunking noise again.
This is war! I went outside, laid my hands on that contraption and prayed for it to come back to life. I said, “Lord, nothing is impossible for you. I believe you can easily restore this machine. But, if this machine is not to be resurrected, then I pray for a money miracle. Provide an unexpected windfall like a big speaking opportunity or provide unexpected benevolence to pay for a new air conditioner. In Jesus Name, I pray and thank you in advance. Amen.”
An answer to prayer
I went back in the house and waited. That night my prayer was answered, but not in the way you’d expect or even the way that I prayed. The temperature outside fell into the 40s! I opened the windows and let the cool air displace the heat. The next morning it was so cold in the house, I had to dig out a sweater to put on. I giggled with delight at God’s creative solution.
I’d come up with a plan and presented my suggestion to God. I even gave him alternatives, in case He needed choices. He came up with an answer I never conceived of. I don’t know how long these unseasonably cool days and nights will last, but they have been a sign from God that:
He sees me.
He hears me.
He is concerned for me.
And …
He is working on my behalf.
I am all about big, bold specific prayers, but I know I have to let God decide how and when to answer them. I’ll keep pressing in for more, as I wait for Him to respond. I’m still figuring out a way to get a new air conditioner unit, and as I wait, God is teaching me a new lesson about trusting Him.
The end of my resources is just the beginning of God’s.
He creates and solves and delivers in ways we couldn’t ask or imagine or even dream of. His storehouses are stocked beyond our imagination. My job is to pray and trust. God will determine how and when to deliver.
I’d love to hear your story of God’s unexpected answer to your prayers.
Leave a comment below so we can all learn to trust Him more.
Scripture Refresher: A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9(NKJV)
Prayer: God, I get so worried about things, help me to remember you have all the solutions to all my issues and problems. Big dilemmas for me are nothing for you. Remind me that nothing is impossible for you. Amen.
Thank you, just what I needed to read! God bless you
Recently someone said to me “do you know the difference between God and me?” “He doesn’t try to be me!” I am learning I don’t have to give God the answer to my prayer, I just have to trust and let Him be God.
Wow, that’s so true. Thanks for writing, Marge. You hit a bullseye.
My husband was looking for a job. We prayed. He got a job, took the physical, passed and was hired. His shift would be 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm till he decided to leave the position. The pay was fantastic! He was supposed to start the following Monday. They called Friday and said they didn’t know why but they weren’t hiring him. He found another job. Seventeen years later we were on our way to our son’s college baseball game when we both looked at each other and said you won’t believe what I was thinking. I told him my thoughts had to do with a job that he didn’t get. He said he was thinking the same thing. Had he got the job, he would not have been able to attend any of our son’s games … From kindergarten, grade school, high school, college, and three years pro. The position he took was from 7:00 am – 4:00 pm. He could take vacation at 4 hour intervals. We never missed a game!
I love this story. Thanks for sharing it.
Not everyone gets to know why things that seem so right don’t work out.
Thanks for reminding us all to look closer over time.
What a great story of God’s faithfulness, Robyn! During my single mom days, I had plenty of opportunities to pray over broken cars, appliances, and more. He was always there to fix it, provide a replacement, change a condition, or change my perspective!
You have the best testimonies when you’re desperate! 🙂
Thanks for writing, Susan.
I needed this today. Having a career crisis with no idea what my next move will be. Burned out after 30 years as an RN. Praying for guidance.
Hey Linda
I’m sure you’ve seen lots of changes in the medical field in 3 years. I pray in agreement that you find a different space to use your RN or that God leads you specifically to a new vocation.
In response to Linda, the RN, who is burned out and needs a new job. I have been an RN for 38 years and have had all kinds of jobs through the years, trying to find the best fit for me. About 10 years ago, I tried teaching the RN students in a local community college. Since I don’t have a Masters, I can’t be a full time faculty member, but with my BS degree, I can do clinical supervision of the students in the hospital. I’m also allowed to teach in the skills lab for the first semester students. It is a part time job, but I’ve supplemented my income by working prn in the outpatient surgery department or Endoscopy department, which I also enjoy. Don’t give up looking for the job that’s best for you. I wish I had found out in the beginning how much I would enjoy teaching and I get alot of positive feedback from the students. The best to you, my fellow sojourner, in this crazy world we cause nursing!! ????
Thanks Anne, what a great suggestion.
A few weeks ago, a piece of toast saved my life! I was headed to yoga and normally eat afterwards. However, I was prompted to go back into the kitchen and make peanut butter toast as my blood sugar was dropping. Because of that brief pause, I missed a horrendous accident that shut down the whole freeway. So, I am reminded to listen for the Holy Spirit and follow HIS lead always..
BTW, I even made the yoga class?????.
That is a terrific testimony of God’s leading. Thanks for writing Siobhain.