One of our readers shared a story with me this week that I just love. It was in response to my writing about praying for our children and grandchildren. I want to share it with you today.
10 years ago, my Grandson, Jackson and I were enjoying a swim in the pool. He was 5 at the time. We looked up at the sky and saw small puffs of clouds that looked like cigarette smoke. I told Jack that it looked like my dear friend Walt was up there smoking. Walt had recently passed away from lung cancer. I asked Jack if he thought Walt could talk to Jesus about sending us some rain since we were in a dry spell. We prayed for rain and then went to McDonalds for lunch.
As we walked across the parking lot, Jackson said “Grandpa you better bring the umbrella.”
I went back and got the umbrella although there was no prediction of rain and no clouds in the sky. As we stood in line to order, 2 women seemed amused and one asked “think it’ll rain?” in a snotty tone of voice. Jackson could sense that we were being mocked. He got serious, looked straight at them, and sternly said “WE PRAYED FOR RAIN”. 2 inches of rain began as they drove out of the parking lot. (MB)
I love so many parts of this wonderful story.
First, I love that this grandfather prayed with his five-year-old grandson. What a lesson that young many learned that day!
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Prov 22:6)
Next, I love the faith of that little boy as he said, “Grandpa, you better bring the umbrella!”
Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Mt 18:4)
Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it. (Mk 10:15)
Also, I love that child’s boldness in the face of doubt and unbelief.
But the righteous are bold as a lion. (Prov 28:1)
And I love the faithfulness of God. They prayed in faith and God sent rain. Not only did they pray in faith, but that little boy PREPARED for rain, he, and his grandpa! They didn’t pray and hope it would happen – no! They believed they would have what they prayed for when they prayed. So, they prepared for it.
What are you praying for today?
Are you preparing for it?
Or are you just hoping it will happen? There is a difference.
I am a firm believer in putting action to our faith. If I am believing and praying for a car, I am going to clean out my garage and make room for it. I am going to purchase me a new keychain as an act of my faith.
If I am believing God for a new house, I will pack a box and get ready to move. I will also purchase a few little things for my new house and put them somewhere I can see them. These types of things keep the vision before my eyes and increase my faith.
As I think of this, I am reminded of Dodie Osteen. When believing God for healing from cancer, she kept a picture of herself, healthy and whole, before her face. This was her point of contact.
What are you believing for? Prepare for it! If you are praying for debt freedom, get your bills out and lay them by your checkbook, ready to write those ‘paid in full’ checks! Or go ahead and write the checks out.
If you are believing for a baby or a grandchild, purchase an outfit or a blanket and lay it somewhere you can see it. Whatever you are praying for, give it a point of contact, an action of your faith.
Today, if you are praying for rain, extend your faith and carry an umbrella – you will be so glad you did!
