An Immediate Answer to Prayer

A few years ago, while still teaching at the local university, I was shocked to discover I could not get my car started for my afternoon commute. I should have been at the university in fifteen minutes for my first class, but the car battery was dead. Our son would have to come from his work fourteen miles away with a special instrument to get me going again. I knew he would be very upset with me. I felt so frustrated with myself, seeing I had left the car lights on — again!

While waiting for him to arrive, I walked out into the warm sunlight. In my heart I prayed, "Oh God, can you love a forgetful old woman like me?" Immediately to my right, two bright red cardinals flashed into view and disappeared into a big hackberry tree. I was amazed, because they are my favorite birds. I walked closer, trying to spot them again, but they had disappeared into the thick foliage. What a pity. But the very next moment, a hummingbird flew to within about two feet of my face, and remained there hovering for a breathless couple of seconds. Another of my favorite birds!

I knew God had answered my unspoken prayer with a resounding "Yes!" and in a language He knew would speak directly to my bird-loving heart. I rejoiced in the clear message, that even if I had only half a brain cell left, He would still love me! I am so glad that Jesus loves me — really loves even me.

My son duly arrived, and he was gentler than I had hoped for. We called the university, my students waited for me, and after arriving, I could tell them joyfully about the lightning fast answer to my thought prayer. These tokens from Him give me much courage as I face the unknown joys, trials, and even stupid mistakes of every day. And the wonder of it all is that He also loves you as much as me.