He sometimes answers in unexpected ways – 24 February 2023

I experienced something special during this week. A colleague of mine (let’s call her Leonie) has been looking for her brother for the past two years. After going through an extremely difficult time in his life, he broke contact with the family. In her quiet time, she often talked to God about him.

In her haste to call someone for information earlier in the week, Leonie accidentally dialed the wrong landline number on the phone. She only realised this when the man on the other end answered the phone. Because he could see where she was calling from, he asked who it was that was speaking and who she was really looking for. In their conversation they soon realised that they should know each other because they know so many of the same people. Even greater was Leonie’s surprise when she heard that her brother was currently living with this man and his family.

Leonie’s story made me realise that God not only hears our prayers, but reveals his goodness to us when he sometimes answers our prayers in unexpected ways.

In Psalm 37:23 we read: “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.” Also in Isaiah 48:17 God says: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” (NIV)

God guides us. He protects us. He delights in every detail of our lives.

I can’t help but think that there must have been a smile on God’s face when Leonie dialed that “wrong number” because he knew what was waiting for her. God bless.

Prayer: Father God, thank you that I can surrender my life to you. Please direct my steps today. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen