Answers to Prayer

Scott and I recently attended an auction to raise funds for local projects. The venue was beautiful. The weather was perfect. It was our wedding anniversary. And the vibe was incredibly social. People from various walks of life settled into conversation and people watching, noshing on goodies and taking part in some of the activities. Our hosts did a wonderful job.

Early in the event, Scott and I set our sights set on two different items. We placed our bids and, for most of the evening, they held. About forty minutes before close, however, someone started troubling the waters on one of the two pieces. I teased our bid forward by ten dollars. A minute later, an alert on my phone; we'd been outbid again. "Just wait until a minute before close, then increase our bid," Scott urged. So, we stepped out into the evening air to make small talk, all the while keeping an eye on the time. With three minutes remaining, I pulled the trigger --another five dollars. Another minute later, wheet whoo! Outbid again! I hit the link and pulled up the image. Before I could reason as to how much farther we were willing to go --CLOSED. "We lost it!" I whined. Scott jokingly chastised my impetuosity, "If you'd just waited another minute like I told you, but no, you had to jump the gun." A nearby couple was listening to our exchange. "At least we got The Buckley Homestead," I placated. That's when the woman spoke. "You won The Buckley Homestead!" she exclaimed. When we affirmed it, she introduced the gentleman sitting with her as the artist. The opportunity to thank him for his donation and sharing his talent was truly a privilege, but it got better. As we made our way inside for the closing remarks, a woman spoke over my shoulder, "I think I stole your Song." The woman with whom we'd been locked in a bidding skirmish! She'd been seated just feet away as Scott and I strategized. Again, another privilege; to discuss such a beautiful work with someone who also appreciated it, for her to share with us her plans for it --where it will hang and how it will complement her decor, to wish her years of enjoyment, and to know that all of it was to benefit the community. We walked to the parking lot feeling richly blessed. 

I tell you all of this because in so many ways, this is an answer to so many prayers. My husband, our marriage. The answer to a prayer prompted years ago by someone I loved insisting, "No marriage is perfect; fairytale love doesn't exist." Wrong! Beauty, priorities. The answer to a prayer prayed about the same time; for God to take my life and make me new. He is faithful! Vision, opportunities. The answer to a prayer prayed over worldly assets, that God would show us how to turn them into eternal wealth. In the most unlikely of ways! Diversity, wonder. The answer to a prayer that began with longing for my own point of view, not the one I allowed to be imposed on me by others. There is freedom in Christ!   

Whatever your current situation, whatever your dream, pray. God can open up a world of opportunities and blessings you never imagined. He can exchange your longings for days of gratitude and understanding. He will hear your deepest desires and give you the joy of sharing this life with others. For your good and for His glory!