Pray without ceasing. (First Thessalonians 5:17, ESV)
After discovering I was pregnant with my oldest daughter, Abby, 22 years ago, I did what most moms do—I purchased a copy of “What to Expect When Expecting” and began reading it every night. I also began praying faithfully for my baby, that she would be formed with the Master’s touch and grow into a mighty woman of God.
But my prayers didn’t stop there, I also felt compelled to pray for her future spouse…wherever he was…that he was also being nurtured and loved and cherished by his family. And, I prayed that he would develop into a mighty man of God and that he and my baby girl would one day be a dynamic duo for the Kingdom.
I realize that seems like I was being hyper-proactive, since my daughter was still in my belly at the time, but I felt so strongly to pray in that manner that I continued. Of course, I never actually told anyone of my prayers but I kept praying them after she was born, and every day since.
Well, I’m happy to report that Abby met the young man I’ve been praying for all of these years, and not long ago, he asked for her hand in marriage. His name is Micah, and he is a Worship Arts major at Asbury University, and they truly are a dynamic duo for God.
Currently, we are in full-out wedding planning mode, but these kiddos realize they are preparing for a lifetime together, not just a wedding day, and I love that about them.
As I help Abby choose wedding invitations and decide which veil looks best with her gorgeous gown, she is trying to prepare me, as well. Just the other day she mentioned that she and Micah might end up serving God overseas.
I listened as she shared her heart, and I tried not to react. True, I wanted to cry, but not for the reason you might think. I wasn’t emotional because they might be living very far from us once they marry, but rather because I realized at that exact moment, God had heard every prayer I’d ever prayed concerning my daughter and her future husband. No doubt, Micah’s parents were praying for my Abby, too.
Abby and Micah are so happy together, but more importantly, they know that God has put them together for a divine purpose, and they are dedicated to serving Him, side by side, wherever He may lead.
I share all of that to say this: When God prompts you to pray for a specific person or urges you to lift a particular petition before Him, be obedient. God hears your prayers and He will answer them, bigger and better than you ever imagined—in His perfect timing.
The Bible says, “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (First John 5:14, NASB)
So, keep praying. Keep believing. Keep standing. And, watch the glory of the Lord manifest in your life!
