On one particular Saturday I was praying before my noon meal and I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to pray: “Please don’t let anyone drown.” Although I was at home watching football, my youngest daughter and her family were spending the day boating at Lake Rathbun.
At 1:19 pm, I received a text from my daughter that my 4 year old granddaughter had fallen into the water, between two boats without her life jacket on. They had removed it so that she could eat lunch and she was supposed to be sitting. She had been rescued by a family friend, who was part of the group and both were fine. As my emotions eased, the questions began in my mind: Did my obedience to pray when prompted play a role in saving those involved in the accident? What would have happened had I not responded? What lesson was I to learn? Perhaps the lesson was for others?
I did have great clarity in that satan was not going to gain any ground in the accident; satan would not have any claim to these families. God was in control.
I know that prayer is imperative to an abundant life in this world and in the eternity to come. Why did this accident have a positive outcome and others do not? Only Jesus knows the answer, and one day I will ask Him. As for the prayers that I pray regularly that are not answered immediately, this experience has assured me that God does hear my petitions. I have faith that God will answer my prayers; perhaps not in the very hour, but in His perfect time. Praise God! Hallelujah!
In Genesis 18, Abraham demonstrates the power of intercessory prayer. God is not characterized by rigidity or pre-determined decisions, but by an openness to respond to us according to our obedience and trust in Him. God welcomes intercession; prayer can change God’s mind, because God is a Father who loves His Children. He didn’t perish with us – He died for us. He died so that we could live.
Prayer is us joining with God’s Spirit; His Power is released through prayer. When we fail to pray, we limit God’s blessing by our own weaknesses. Jesus said, “…Yet you do not have because you do not ask” James 4:2 (NKJV). Let’s use the power of prayer that God has promised us, through His Son, Jesus Christ!