An Unexpected Answer to a Prayer 

Have you ever prayed for something and then God answered your prayer, but it was completely not how you thought He would answer it?   “Are you sure God, this can’t be right???”  

There are some biblical examples of a folks that have a similar response.  

The old Israelites wanted out of slavery.  In Exodus 1 the story begins.  They called out to God for rescue from their oppression.  They get their redeemer in Moses, an unlikely person to help, but not without some blood, frogs, lice, etc on their way out.  This surely couldn’t be the answer to their prayers of longing to the Almighty.  Then Moses leads them out of Egypt in miraculous fashion only to hear their murmuring and wishing to go back to Egypt.  Surely this could not be the answer to their prayer…they said they would rather be slaves under the Pharaoh than to endure manna and quail any longer.  Their prayers were heard and answered but certainly not how they expected.  

Then much later the Jews are again looking forward to the redeemer, the prophesied Messiah.  The gospels relay the story of baby Jesus, born in Bethlehem, hailing from lowly Nazareth.  A carpenter’s son?  Surely this cannot be God’s answer??  They expected a mighty political or military leader.  Their leader surely cannot be this Jesus.  Their answer was to kill Him!    Their prayers were heard and answered but certainly not how they expected. 

Later we read about Peter imprisoned in Acts 12.   An angel appears and helps him escape and he immediately goes to his fellow disciples’ home.  In vs 12 it says “where many were gathered together praying”.  That prayer is answered because Peter is there waiting at the door, but they don’t believe the poor little servant girl that is trying to convince them.  God surely didn’t answer our prayer like that?  They finally let Peter in and were amazed.  Their prayers were heard and answered but certainly not how they expected.

Sometimes we earnestly pray for something, maybe even something very specific.  God answers our prayer, but it’s not as we expected.  It looks different than we expected.  It doesn’t fit into our box.  It may cause us some additional work.  It might cause us some discomfort.  It might not be the easy path. So… Do we complain like the Israelites?  Do we try and thwart God’s plan like the Jews in the NT?  Or do we finally accept the blessing God is giving us and stand amazed like Peter’s friends.  It’s hard not to question God sometimes.  We are humans.   

But by doing that, we limit God.   God answers prayers His way because He can see the whole picture.  Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.  “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts…

We lowly humans cannot imagine the fullness of His goodness!  It would be in our best interest to let Him work and answer our prayer as He sees fit and for us to accept those answers.  Had the folks in our first two examples done that, they would have reaped the benefits of His goodness!

I believe we all go through seasons in this life, and as much as we hate it sometimes, those seasons teach us lessons more times than not. 

We are so quick to talk about the goodness of God when we are in a season of undeniable favor, but what about the times when we feel like we can’t catch a break? Is God still good then? Of course He is! 

It’s so easy to fall into a negative mindset and “forget” the goodness of God when our prayers aren’t being answered. I’m ashamed to admit it, but I know I’ve done that a time or two. 

Daniel 3 tells us about how Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are thrown into the fire. These 3 men knew that God was able to save them, but even if He didn’t they knew that God was still good. 

“If it be so, our God Whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, bet it known unto you, O king, that we will not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭

God is still good…. 

Even if you don’t pass that test. 

Even if that prayer isn’t answered. 

Even if you didn’t get that new job. 

Even if you’re still waiting in the hallway because the door hasn’t opened yet. 

God is still good regardless of your current situation or circumstances. 

Conditions can determine your trust in others….Conditions shouldn’t determine your trust in God.

Have you ever parented a teenager? Bless your heart! Have you ever been a teenager and had to deal with parents? Bless your heart! I want to share a little story. My daughter had her first summer job this year, and she had to ask the manager to change her schedule for a doctor’s appointment. He said he would change her from a full shift to a half shift that day, which meant she needed to go in at three pm. She kept checking the scheduling app, and she was not listed on the schedule for that day at all. As any mother (or anyone who had held a job for long) would, I said, “Maybe you should call him and double-check! He did say you would work a half shift.” She responded that he must have changed his mind because it is sometimes easier to schedule full day shifts. I let it go for a bit, but there was a gnawing feeling of doubt in my stomach that she had made the wrong choice. 

Over the course of the week, I occasionally asked if she had communicated with her manager, and she answered that she had not, but she checked the schedule daily, and he had not added her. On the day of the appointment, she was still not on the schedule, and we set out for the doctor’s appointment. On the way, she asked if I would take her and her friend to the mall afterward. Before I said yes, I asked about the work schedule again, doubt growing ever stronger. She reminded me that she had already checked the schedule that morning and that I didn’t need to worry. She was on top of things. I couldn’t help giving my opinion that she should call or at least text and make sure that there wasn’t an error, but she was adamant that she was right. So later in the day her friend came over, and as we started to leave for the mall my daughter’s phone rang. Who was it? Yeah, I think you’ve already guessed…it was her boss wondering where she was and if she was coming to work. 

The story turned out okay. The manager found someone before he called who covered the shift. My daughter learned a lesson about communication in the workplace, and we had a less fun mall trip because at that point she was a little worried she might be fired from her summer job. When we talked about it later, I told her that when an adult offers you wise counsel, you should take it. I told her that I know things she doesn’t know and think about things from a perspective that she doesn’t; not because I am smarter or better, but because I have lived longer and have more experience. 

The verses Isaiah 55:8-9, popped into my head as I was talking and all of a sudden, I was stepping on my own toes.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

As I gently lectured my child, my heavenly Father reminded me that when I don’t listen to His word or seek His opinion, I am showing the same immaturity as my teen in relation to me. I should be seeking His ways, not my way in life, not earthly solutions to problems. Instead, we should seek wise counsel that is generously given to all who seek it. By reading God’s word and spending time with Him in prayer, we can learn God’s ways and follow them in our own lives. We can have real comfort in times of need, answers to difficult questions, and avoid some of the unpleasant consequences that might come if we choose our own way. As I told my daughter I am not smarter than you but just think differently, I realized that my Heavenly Father IS smarter than me (all knowing), and he does not get caught up in earthy thoughts or worries as I am prone to do. 

So today, are you struggling with worry, making a decision, or just wondering why things are going the way they are in your life, your community, the world? Join me in seeking wise counsel from our Father in heaven. His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. You can trust that following Him is always the right decision.

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭18‬-‭21‬ 

How often do we find ourselves stuck in our past failures? We beat ourselves up and sit in the past refusing to move forward and becoming discouraged. When we hold onto the past, we are unable to see the beautiful new work God wants to do. 

I have found that the enemy uses my failures against me. I become so discouraged because of how I messed up that I can’t move past it. Then I find myself much like the Israelites sitting in that wilderness of the past feeling like I can do nothing right and doubting God’s work in me. I can’t see that He wants to create something beautiful like a refreshing river in the desert. 

When we accept Christ as our Savior, we become a new creation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ 

God is creating something new, something beautifully new. Sitting in the wilderness of past failures hinders the development of God’s beautiful new creation in us. God tells us to “remember not the former things”. He is “doing a new thing”. It’s a hard lesson, and one I still struggle with mastering, but letting go of the past leads to allowing God to do a new and beautiful work in us.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to really understand how important it is to have a real, personal relationship with Jesus. It’s more than just going to church or knowing Bible verses—it’s about choosing to walk with Him every single day. For the longest time, I struggled to read the Bible all the way through, but recently I took a step in the right direction by signing up for some online Bible classes. Not only have they helped me learn more, but they’ve deepened my faith too.

One thing that keeps standing out to me is this: having a relationship with Jesus isn’t a one-and-done thing. It’s something that grows every day. To really live as a Christian, I need to believe Jesus is exactly who He says He is and trust that He’s already done what He promised. 

Life definitely has its ups and downs, and staying strong in faith can be hard sometimes. But I’m learning that Jesus wants to be part of every part of my life—even in the small stuff, like helping me find a lost shoe or reminding me to show more kindness when I really don’t feel like it.

I’m also reminded of John 14:15: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” That hits deep because loving Jesus means living in a way that reflects that love—and honestly, that’s not always easy in a world full of distractions and noise. But I’m so thankful for God’s grace, forgiveness, and mercy. He knows we’re not perfect, but He still welcomes us with open arms and offers us a new start.

A verse that’s really been speaking to my heart lately is 2 Corinthians 5:17, which says: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

 That’s so powerful to me. It reminds me that I’m not the same person I used to be. Jesus is constantly working in me and making me new.

What amazes me most is how my relationship with Him keeps growing. My faith isn’t stronger because life got easier—it’s stronger because I’m leaning on Him more. The more I seek Him, the more I see Him at work in my everyday life. And honestly, that changes everything.

Hey Mama, I Feel You…

The mom brain is real, and the lack of time to spend “one-on-one” with the Lord definitely fluctuates through seasons.

My current season looks like chasing a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old around while balancing church duties and running my business. At times, I feel like I struggle to have enough intimate time with Jesus. I try waking up earlier to have quiet time… and somehow, my kids wake up earlier too! The struggle is real — lol!

But the Father’s love is even realer (yes, I invented a new word).

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

— Matthew 11:28–30

He is gentle and humble in heart.

He longs for our affection — even in the chaos.

He invites us to take up His yoke, because it is easy.

I once heard an illustration that said, “Don’t try to keep God first.” At first, I was shocked. But then the speaker went on to say, “Keep God in every aspect of your life — in the good, the bad, and the ugly.”

Let go of the guilt. As a mama, your relationship with Jesus is going to look different in this season — and He knew that before you ever began to experience it. So put the guilt away, and let Him meet you right where you are.

This season won’t last forever.

“He will feed his flock like a shepherd.

He will carry the lambs in his arms,

holding them close to his heart.

He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.”

— Isaiah 40:11

Conclusions. 

Who’s jumping to them? Anyone else? Just me. Cool. 

A few weeks back I wasn’t just jumping to them, I did a cannonball straight into the deep end baby. 

Looking back, and after talking it through with the big sis, it was absolutely ridiculous. 

I mean I shed a lot of tears – for no reason. 

I stressed myself out – for no reason. 

I tied my stomach into a knot that even an Eagle Scout would not be able to untie – for no reason. 

Before you jump straight into the deep end, ask yourself a few questions: 

▪️Am I being led (lied to) by my emotions?

▪️Have I communicated with the other person (people) involved? 

▪️Why do I really feel this way? 

▪️Am I crazy? 🤪 

I’m telling you, 99% of the time our emotions/pride/selfishness has us turning cracks into canyons – and there’s simply no reason for it. 

Turn to the Word. 

Let Jesus steady you. 

He can and He will. 

Philippians 4:6-7:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

Forgiveness can be such a tricky thing, especially when we feel justified in our offenses. We have somehow equated justification as a valid reason to hold onto something God expressly told us not to hold onto. He told us to forgive as He forgave us. And if there is anyone who has walked this earth and had justification to hold onto sins committed against them, it’s Jesus, but he doesn’t. And while He does require us to repent, which means to turn from our sin, He never once said we had to ask Him for forgiveness. He forgave us long before we were ever sorry, and He forgives us even when we’re not. The command He gave us was to forgive as He forgave. I recently sat with my daughter crying in a youth camp service, and when I asked her if everything was ok, she told me God was dealing with her heart to forgive someone specific that had hurt her deeply, and she said, “It’s so hard, because they’re not even sorry. They don’ t care that they hurt me.” And, she’s right…It IS hard.  She was concerned that if she verbalized forgiveness that she wouldn’t mean it, and therefore nothing would be “released.” I reminded her that Jesus told us to forgive them 70×7, not because they would sin against us that many times, but because it could take that many times of forgiving them for our hearts to be healed. Forgiveness can come in layers, and every time our minds or hearts are meditating on those moments, we have to forgive them again.

     Earlier this month, my father passed away, and it dredged up pain I thought I had healed from decades ago. I can tell you the exact moment unforgiveness and bitterness against my dad left me. I know where I was and what I was doing, and it wasn’t in a church or at an altar. It was in the back room of our home that I was turning into an office to surprise my husband with for his birthday. I wasn’t even having a worshipful moment when it happened, but I felt it physically leave my body, so I know someone was praying for me. I was content to hold onto that hatred, but Jesus removed it in that moment. I called my dad who I had not spoken to in over a year at that point and reconciled. Did that change my dad’s behavior? Not at all. He was still the same person, but because God had done a work in me, I was very different. Did my forgiving him mean I removed healthy boundaries to keep me and my family safe? No, but it did mean that I handled myself very differently than before. See, forgiveness doesn’t change the other person, it changes us which is why Jesus commanded us to forgive. He’s calling us higher. 

     All is well that ends well, right? Apparently not. When my dad passed, as the oldest child, I was tasked with planning his funeral and taking care of the things he left behind. While in West Virginia tending to those things, I stumbled across evidence of his abuse towards my brother and me. I immediately had to walk outside the house to catch my breath, and I had to recognize the moment for what it was…another area that still needed healing in my own heart. Being triggered by anything should be a red flag for us concerning our own hearts and not billboards for sins committed against us. It’s God’s grace that reveals the broken things in our hearts and gently coaxes us to steward the healing He so lavishly offers.  In that moment when I had every right to just walk away and let everything rot to the ground, because, “How dare he keep a memento of abuse. What kind of sicko does that,” Jesus so lovingly asked me, “When you join me in Heaven, will this moment matter?  When you are on this side of eternity will any of that matter?” I had to be honest…No, it won’t. And I had to forgive again. Not because my dad asked for it or even deserved it, but because when I hold up all of my pain and my offense to the light of eternity, I don’t see those things anymore. I only see Jesus. I want Him more than I want to hold onto any of it, and I will gladly let those things fall to the ground. 

     And anytime my heart reveals another unhealed wound? I’ll forgive again. Not because they are worthy, but because HE is worthy. 

Galatians 2:20

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Church camp has always meant so much to me. My sophomore year of high school was when I first realized I wasn’t really living my life fully for Christ. I came home on that classic “camp high,” feeling like my faith had changed in a big way.

Fast forward to my senior year — the theme was Total Surrender. By the end of the week, I was honestly shocked by how many things I still hadn’t fully given over to God. Now, a year later, I’m still learning what it means to actually live in total surrender. That theme came at such a perfect time in my life. I was stepping into a brand-new season and had no idea what to expect.

I think a lot of us can relate to this idea. We’re usually okay handing God certain parts of our lives, but we hold on tight to other parts — thinking we can handle them better ourselves. I know I’ve definitely struggled with that. It’s crazy to think how hesitant I can be to trust God, even though He’s already done so many amazing things in my life that I never could have imagined.

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.”

On the last full day of camp my senior year, the speaker invited us into a time of prayer and said to do whatever felt right — go up to the altar or stay in your seat. I noticed a middle school girl next to me was crying and looked unsure of what to do. I asked her if she wanted me to go up with her, and she said yes.

Once we got to the front, I prayed over her and then gave her a moment alone. I stayed kneeling there with my eyes closed. After the song ended, I looked up to check on her — but she was gone. Suddenly, I realized I was alone at the front and decided to take that moment for myself.

Before camp, I had been offered the chance to be the youth ministry intern for the upcoming year. I had been really struggling with whether or not to say yes. So right then, I prayed: “Lord, this anxiety and anxiousness I feel — it’s yours. I hand it to you. Please give me discernment.”

Almost immediately, I felt this huge wave of peace wash over me. At that moment, I knew God was calling me to take the internship. As I got up and walked back to my seat, I felt so light, like I was floating. I remember thinking, Why didn’t I surrender this sooner?

When we stop trying to lean on our own understanding and actually trust God fully, we realize that life is so much better in His hands. Total surrender isn’t easy, but it’s always worth it.