An Unusual Answer to Prayer

While crossing the Atlantic on an ocean liner years ago, Bible teacher F. B. Meyer was asked to give a speech to the passengers about how God answers prayer. An agnostic who listened to Meyer’s message said, “I don’t believe a word of it.” 

Later that same day, the agnostic went to hear Meyer speak to another group of passengers. Before he went to the meeting, he put a couple of oranges in his pocket. On his way, he passed an elderly woman who was asleep in her deck chair. Her arms were outstretched with her hands open, so as a joke he put an orange in each hand.

After the meeting, he saw the elderly woman eating the fruit. “You seem to be enjoying those oranges,” he remarked with a smirk on his face. “Yes, my Father is very good to me.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve been sick for days, so I prayed that God would somehow send me an orange. I fell asleep when I was praying. When I awoke, I found not only one, but two oranges in my hands!”

The agnostic was stunned because he had just heard Meyer talk about how the Lord answers prayer, and God chose him to provide the oranges she had requested. Because of this, he put his trust in Christ. (Our Daily Bread, April 5, 2000).

Philippians 4:19 says, “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Just let Him decide how He will do it. He just might surprise you. www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com www.makinglifecount.net

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BIBLE STUDY “The Five Purposes of Prayer”

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Making Life Count Ministries

P.O. Box 680174

Prattville, Alabama 36068-0174

www.makinglifecount.net  Twitter: @KentCrockett

www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com

God Uses Broken Vessels

I’ve often heard the saying “God uses broken vessels.” It’s based on Psalm 51:17 which says, "A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." For years whenever I read that verse I pictured in my mind a pot broken into little pieces. It didn't make sense to me. Then it dawned on me that a cracked pot wasn't the right idea at all. Instead, brokenness is like a cowboy breaking a horse.

When a horse isn't broken, it tries to throw the rider off. But when it reaches the place of brokenness, the horse surrenders to the cowboy and quits fighting against him. Only then can the horse be guided wherever the rider wishes to lead it.

Saul was on the road to Damascus when he saw a light brighter than the sun and was struck blind. God said to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads” (Acts 26:14). A goad was a sharp stick that was used to prod oxen to most faster. When the oxen felt the prod, they would wound themselves if they kicked back. They learned it was easier to obey than kick back.

When we quit fighting against God and surrender to Him, we can be guided wherever the Lord wants to lead us. Being a vessel that's willing to be led by God makes a lot more sense than being a cracked pot. Do you want to be led by God? www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com www.makinglifecount.net

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BIBLE STUDY “Does Everything Happen for a Reason?”

Receive these devotionals (free) by email: You can subscribe in the box on the right at www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com (Your email will not be given out. You’ll receive an email when the new devotional is posted)

Making Life Count Ministries

P.O. Box 680174

Prattville, Alabama 36068-0174

www.makinglifecount.net  Twitter: @KentCrockett

www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com