I awoke to find a world of white. It was beautiful, but also a threat because mountains of the stuff had piled up against my doors, and I was literally a prisoner in my own home.

I managed to push the back door open just wide enough to allow Sparky, my dog, to squeeze out for his morning necessity. When he squeezed back inside, his exuberant shake sent snow flying in every direction, including all over me. I was not amused. It took about five minutes to get all the clumps off his feet and legs; then he trotted happily across my freshly cleaned laminate floor, leaving his wet prints behind.

I later learned that this inconvenience was minor in comparison to the loss of life, stranded motorists, and massive digging-out required as a result of this blizzard. But for me, it was not a fun way to start my day, as I had to tend a Salvation Army Christmas kettle, and I was already wondering how I would get out to my car.

Then, I used my head and committed this task to the Lord to resolve — to the One Who said, "You do not have because you do not ask God." (James 4:2b NIV)

I am asking, Lord, I replied silently.

I honestly believed that He would answer me, because He also said, "Ask and it will be given to you." (Matthew 7:7a NIV) So I left it with Him and prepared my breakfast with a warm sense of peace, knowing that He would answer.

Formerly, I would have become anxious and upset to find myself in such a dilemma, but I had seen so many amazing answers to prayer over the past year, as our relationship had deepened, that I went calmly about my normal activity, even as the clock hand crept closer to the time that I was to leave.

Then the telephone rang, and God answered my prayer right then and there. They had decided to cancel my shift because of the heavy snowfall.

A warm wave of joy and thanksgiving swept over me at the wonderful news.

I began to praise the Lord Who had not only answered my prayer, but had done it above and beyond all of my expectations. Now I had a free day to try to catch up on the 1001 jobs that had piled up over the past month. How great is our God!

Sometimes, we forget that all the promises of God are sure, and we try to muddle along in our own strength. Let's take the Lord, Who gave His life to purchase our salvation, at His word. Then, we will find ourselves rejoicing over and over in amazement and thanksgiving at the ways He answers.

In the meantime, perhaps you will consider volunteering with the Salvation Army Christmas kettle program. There is a great need!

Prayer: Forgive us, heavenly Father, for not taking everything to You in prayer. We know that You want to be part of every aspect of our lives, both in the good times as well as the bad. We praise You and thank You for Your great faithfulness to us and to Your Word. We pray in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

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About the author:

Sharon Y. Greer <sygreer11@gmail.com>
Sandycove Acres, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
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