LIVING ANSWERED PRAYER

People ask me, "How are you doing?" I answer with a smile on my face, "I'm living answered prayers."

In retrospect, I think we are always living answered prayers: Dad comes home safe from work, cat comes back home, Mom gets organized, car repairs aren't as much as estimate. We live these answered prayers...we thank God...or not...we just move on to the next request. Some prayers are on a different level, though: Salvation, life vs death, spiraling life of rebellion, kidnapping, accident, war, etc.

When these prayers are answered in a way that brings restoration here on earth, these answered prayers are not forgotten or dismissed lightly. These prayers bring such joy and relief to the heart and an overwhelming gratefulness/thankfulness to the Lord that defies words.

I am living answered prayers. It wasn't answered quite like I thought it would be, but are they ever? (For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah  55: 8-9) And, there is still hope for the full answer to the prayer. :0)

What do answered prayers do for us?

•  Answered prayers always give us hope for the future. 
• We learn to trust the Lord on a whole new level. 
• That trust brings peace for the future. The Proverbs 31 woman is quoted as one who laughs at the things to come. (She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. Proverbs 31:25) 
• We show grace and mercy towards others out of our thankfulness to the Lord for His grace and mercy towards us.
• Our love increases and overflows to our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. 

My family, together. Husband and wife, through sickness and health, poverty and wealth for (almost) 26 years! And, five beautiful, uniquely-specially- created daughters just for us...well, just for awhile. ;)

"You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings." PSALMliving 23:5