… How much more will your Heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. —Matthew 7:11b

Just two weeks shy of her 95th birthday, my dear mom went to be with her Savior. We had watched a slow decline, especially in the past two years, as Parkinson’s confined her to a wheelchair and dementia prevented her from recognizing even those closest to her. I had begun to pray that God would take her home in His perfect time and perfect way. She died peacefully in her sleep just one month after joining her husband of 22 years in a nursing home.

It was time to return to the home they had shared and sort through their belongings. We had tried many times to help her pare down, but for Mom, every item held a precious memory. It was now my responsibility to go through this home, drawer by drawer, closet by closet, constantly reminded of the ways this woman loved God and loved her family with all her heart. I envisioned days of being surprised by things I had long forgotten, and the tears that would follow. The thought of what was ahead weighed heavily on me.

I asked the women in my small group, many of whom had also lost a mom, to pray. I asked my siblings, who could not join me, to pray. I prayed. This was the only way I knew to prepare for an undertaking that seemed too large to accomplish in my own strength.

What followed can only be explained as nothing short of a miracle. Not only was this monumental task nearly completed, but it was filled with joy! Instead of being brought to tears time and again, I was reminded of the godly mother and grandmother (and great-grandmother!) she was. When I pictured her, I pictured her whole, rejoicing in the presence of the God she so faithfully served. I experienced both physical and emotional strength, renewed each morning. God carried me through those days.

I was in awe at the way God had answered prayer. He unmistakably showed me His intimate love and care. He enabled me to accomplish what I could not have on my own. I experienced the outpouring of the strength He promises to the weary.

In the weeks that followed, I became aware that too often I pray with low expectations. I have now been challenged to pray God’s promises and to expect more!

Imagine how opening our hands to pray and receiving even a few of these truths might change the way we live.

• … God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” —Hebrews 13:5b
  Do I call this to mind when I am afraid? How will this truth change my mindset?
• You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! —Isaiah 26:3
  How will I fix my thoughts on God, who promises me His peace?
• The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. —Psalm 103:19
  How will remembering that God is on His throne, ruling over all nations and circumstances, influence my thoughts as I listen to news reports from around the world?
•  And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. —Romans 8:38
  Will I look for and expect God to demonstrate His love in these unwelcome circumstances?
•  … The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. —Isaiah 40:28b-29
  Have I specifically asked Him for His strength in the midst of my weariness and weakness, anticipating that He will provide?
• And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. —1 Corinthians 10:13b
  When I am tempted, will I look for the way out that God promises to provide? Will I choose His way instead of choosing sin?

Will you endeavor with me to pray with greater expectation? Let’s pray the promises of Scripture, knowing that they will be answered. Our loving Father simply wants us to ask and then watch, believing for the good He has promised.

Heavenly Father, forgive me for expecting little of You. You are so generous, so good. Your resources are limitless, and You long to provide, not meagerly but abundantly. I come to You now with open hands, asking for what I need today. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

(All scriptures are from the New Living Translation)

Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love,
so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. (Psalm 90:14)

Judy Wilson

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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