Answered Prayer - Now What?

Two years ago I attended the Christian Writer's Workshop in Cedar Falls hoping to find inspiration and direction for my writing. I got all I wanted plus much more. When I came home I worked on one story and submitted it to three publications. I continued to work on other projects and submitted several more before I again registered and attended the Christian Writer's Workshop in 2015. Again the Workshop delivered the inspiration and encouragement to write that I was seeking. When I came home that June I polished up three articles that were sitting in my file drawer, researched several publications and sent them off with a prayer.

"Lord, do you want me to continue to write? What is your will for me? If you want me to keep writing would you send me a sign? I don't know if this is how you want to use me in my retirement; please show me that there is some purpose in my writing - if that is what you want me to do."

In the past year I believe God has answered my prayers. In October 2015 I heard from a publisher who bought an article that is to be published sometime in 2016 (still waiting for a copy). Then in March 2016 I heard from another editor who bought a second story I wrote. It was printed in May. Then, nearly two years after my first submission I received a copy of a magazine with my article and photo, and a week later a check arrived.

Just as Pastor Scott said in his sermon yesterday, God still performs miracles and makes the impossible happen! Thank you, God for hearing my prayer and for being so gracious as to send me an answer.

I kick myself for missing the 2016 Workshop which happened right after we moved. Believe me I won't miss it again. But, I can't ignore God's answer to me about writing. I just hope He continues to give me direction about what to write next. I share this only to bring God the glory for His constant presence and listening ear. He cares enough to hear even my selfish, petty prayers. That just blows me away! How could I doubt Him?

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer" (Matthew 21:22 NIV).

"He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him" (1 Chronicles 5:20 NIV).

God answers your prayers, too. Sometimes we have to wait a while, sometimes we don't recognize the answer, sometimes we are too busy to notice. Take a moment today to consider the ways God has answered your prayers, and what do you need to ask Him today?