‘Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear’

Isaiah 65:24

We know that God answers our prayers. Jesus tells us so in John 14:14 “If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.” We also know that God gives us good gifts, in Matthew 7:11 Jesus says: “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in Heaven give good things to those who ask him?”

So God answers our prayers and gives us good gifts, which is exciting enough in itself! What is even more amazing then is that this verse in Isaiah is telling us that God is answering our prayers before we even pray them! God is not like online delivery. Where you decide what you need, pop in a search, click some buttons and a couple of days later, your request turns us at your doorstep. No, God is not a delivery service. God knows you so well, he knows your heart, your deepest desires, hopes and dreams. He knows what you grieve over, what breaks your heart. He knows when you are going to cry out to him and he is already listening. 

There is a story in a book called Living Faith by Dr. Helen Roseveare. There was a newborn baby in Africa whose mother had died and the baby needed to be kept warm through the night in order to survive. There were no more hot water bottles and no electricity. Children from the orphanage prayed for God’s provision. One little girl prayed “Please God send us a hot water bottle. It will be no good tomorrow God, as the baby’ll be dead; so please send it this afternoon”. That afternoon a parcel arrived from the UK with all sorts of presents, including a hot water bottle. That parcel would have needed to be sent 5 months before that little girl prayed. God answered their prayers before they even knew their own need. 

Have you ever had an answer to prayer that needed something to happen before you even called on God?

Advent Activation

Write down some of the things you’re praying for in a journal. Then set an alarm for 5 months time to remind you to look back and see how God has worked in your life since then and how he may have answered your prayers. 

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