“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14,15

Receiving

Something happened the last few days that I must share with you. I decided it was time to clean out old, expired medications. I started going through my cupboards thinking it would be a quick, easy task. I was wrong! It took me quite a bit of time, and I had no idea of the emotional impact that was coming.

As I went through various medications, I thought of what they were for. Bottle after bottle, package after package reminded me of what I’ve been through in recent years in battling cancer. With each medication I remembered the horrible condition I had battled. It was actually a bit shocking when I realized the combined impact of what my body had gone through. I could almost “feel” what I had previously experienced.

And then, something very wonderful happened. It hit me how wonderfully God had brought me through all that…literally brought me back from the edge of death in a few instances. Tears came and rejoicing filled my heart. God has touched and healed me over and over again in recent years. He has been with me and has saved my life. I have been walking around with a smile on my face thinking of how grateful I am for His goodness and healing. Wow!

When it happened in little increments it wasn’t as noticeable. But now, cleaning out all these medicines, it was HUGE. I am so grateful!

I thought back to all the times we prayed for this and that and the other thing…and, at times, it felt like our prayers were bouncing off of heaven and not much was happening. But now, looking back at all this, I could see a great abundance of answered prayers. God had met me time and time again. My heart was strengthened and was just full to overflowing with thankfulness.

So I wanted to say “thank you” to you, too. You have prayed with me and carried me. I so appreciate that. And God has answered those prayers. He has been so faithful!

I can remember many times when I thanked God in advance for answering prayers. I’m going to keep doing that because now I can see so clearly how He answered so many prayers. I’m thanking Him in advance for answering prayers I’m now lifting up to Him.

I got a little carried away with so many verses, but as I searched for what the word says – I was overwhelmed with all God has spoken to us about “hearing” us and responding.  Not one single prayer goes unheard.  He is always listening.  We sometimes get caught up in the “timing” of answered prayer, and we miss it when He answers at a different time or in a different way.

God has been with me. He has rescued me so many times. My medicine cleaning-out task showed me this so clearly.

Lord, we trust You to answer our prayers in Your time. Help us be patient. Praise You!