When my kids were younger, leaving the house took the coordination of a well timed symphony. Everyone had to be rested, fed, toileted, diapered, or entertained. I often brought books with me and used to carry a small pack of crayons in every purse. More importantly, I never left the house without a snack for the kids. Never. Ever. Hanger is real in my household. So, I knew if my trip (of any duration) was going to be productive, I needed to bring snacks along. In fact, there were times that I packed entire meals to take with us as we left for the evening.
My kids became very accustomed to my role as the snack master. When I graduated from the diaper bag back to a regular purse, it was still large enough to carry some sort of tasty treat for them. As they got older, I would encourage them to eat *before* we left the house or bring something on their own. I slowly backed myself out of that role.
A few weeks ago, as we were leaving church, hanger struck again. From the backseat of the car, both of my kids were whining and asking if I had a snack. I responded in laughter. “No, I didn’t bring snacks. You’re not babies anymore!” (For the record, I am not starving my children. They are 14 and 11, perfectly capable of grabbing a granola bar on their way out the door!) We went back and forth about this for a bit. They challenged me saying that it was my job to make sure they were fed, and I responded back saying that it was my job to empower them to learn how to feed themselves.
I thought about this exchange the following week. I couldn’t just leave a trail of snacks for them for the rest of their lives. They need to figure it out on their own. I mean, am I going to roll up to their high school graduation with some goldfish in my purse? “Here you go, honey, make sure you eat something!” What a ridiculous expectation! And man, it hit me. I had been praying about a situation, asking for God to move, and asking for a confirmation that He was moving on my behalf.
That was my version of a “snack”. I needed God to pat me on the head and let me know from time to time that He was going to take care of me. Why couldn’t I just trust that God was going to do what He said He would do? At this point in my walk of faith, with all that God has brought me through, why was I still asking God to drop me a sign? I was wanting God to lead me to my desired outcome, with a trail of signs along the way. It was time for me to grow up and know that God is handling my situation, period. I needed to remember my previous victories and use them as fuel to the next one.
Our reading today in Daniel 9 is a beautiful reminder of what happens on the other side of our prayer. Daniel has prayed this powerful prayer and Gabriel came as a physical response to his prayer. In Daniel 9:23, Gabriel says “The moment you began praying, a command was given. I am here to tell you what it was, for God loves you very much.” (NLT)
Even if my prayer language isn’t as eloquent as Daniel’s, the moment I pray, my prayers are received in heaven. There is no bad connection or interference. Our prayers are heard, and God loves us very much. It may not be the outcome that I want, but it will be His outcome for me. I need to learn to trust that He loves me and is with me in all things.
~Shiney
