God Answers Prayers

My two young grandsons were playing together in our backyard, competing to see who could kick their shoe the highest. Sounds of laughter and fun eventually turned to yelling and frustration.

As I made my way over to them, I saw that my oldest grandson was in tears. He pointed up. One of his brand-new sneakers was now stuck in a clump of branches, high up in a maple tree. He was terribly upset and yelled out, “I prayed to God, but he hasn’t done anything to help!” After taking a minute to console him, my cousin and I retrieved a ladder and broom and worked together to knock the shoe down to the ground.

Reflecting on the situation, I was pleased that my grandson relied on prayer during a difficult circumstance. As Christians, we know that praying should be our first response in times of trouble. But, as I later explained to my grandson, we must keep our eyes wide open to see the creative ways God answers our prayers. God didn’t solve my grandson’s problem by having the shoe instantly fall from the tree. Instead, God sent two capable adults to comfort and problem solve.

As we meet daily challenges, let’s remember to pray for God’s help and guidance and to be patient and watchful for God’s wisdom and creative problem solving.