When God answers us even after we forget the question...

As I was on my way to work this morning I was reminded of a quick little prayer I had offered up last week. As you may recall, I mentioned in an earlier post that I very rarely spend much time in prayer with the exception of little bits of conversation I have with God throughout the day or if someone specifically asks for prayer.  It wasn't really something I was expecting a response on to be absolutely honest with you. This was more like an 'Oh yeah, by the way....' kind of request as I was driving down the road to the umpteenth doctor's appointment of the week. It's something that I've been struggling to accomplish on my own for almost a year with very little, well actually none, success.

I had a severe flare up of my mysterious GI issue combined with a killer of a migraine on Thursday and Friday so I wasn't thinking of too much other than wishing for a sledgehammer to the frontal lobe. As I felt better on Saturday, I didn't give too much thought to the issue and by yesterday, I began to actually acknowledge that something had happened in that time. There was a sense of pleasure and accomplishment, but didn't give it much thought cause I immediately reminded myself I didn't want to jinx it and I did not even remember that I had asked for help.

It wasn't until this morning, sitting in traffic on the way to work, that I remembered my simple little request. I just had to stop and chuckle a bit. I was in the process of congratulation myself and giving me a big ol' pat on the back but then I heard a little voice saying, 'Really Heather? You are going to take full credit for that?'

I have the foundational belief that God is always aware of my life and is always there to hear me, despite the millions of other folks on this planet and all of their situations, He hears me. There have been so many times in my life where His hand has been clearly visible and present, sometimes even literally saving my life. Yet I quickly forget the power of that electric volt that hits your heart and soul when you see Him moving. I forget that He has brought me through so many things and has taught me so much about who He wants me to be.

I am always that person to encourage my spiritually minded friends that He is never surprised by your circumstances and He is always there to pick you up if you've fallen. I encourage them to seek His path and His desire for them in their moment of confusion or stress. I have absolutely confidence that His hand will move according to His desire for their request.

I forget that He is ever present even in the little things. This one request I had of Him is actually a huge deal for me on a personal level, one that no one else will be affected by in the short term; however, the long term benefits will be overwhelming and unknown as of yet.

I think more than anything, I have to remember that He is ever present in my own life and that I should not sell myself short just because I don't follow the ABC's of how I was taught to live out your religion. Even though I don't go to church, He is still a part of my life. He has not left. He is very aware of why I do not attend church and we are working on it, but for now, He is perfectly happy with where I am and I need to trust that His still, small voice will continue to guide my steps. I just have to keep my ears open and my nose facing forward.

Is there a time in your life where God has reminded you of His presence in a time when you felt all alone?