In spite of second-born's unexpected illness, our family enjoyed a wonderful weekend vacation. Second born has allergies and experienced an uncontrollable cough that sometimes led to vomiting. He was a trooper, but we could tell the coughing and asthma was wearing him down. We didn't want to pray selfishly for healing for our own convenience of a fun vacation, so asked God to just share an extra ounce of mercy on second born. We wanted him to be able to enjoy our last day on vacation, which was a trip to an amusement park.
The morning we prayed, it began to rain. We thought our amusement park trip would be cancelled, but went anyway. Something else happened as a result of the rain - our prayers were answered. The elements in the atmosphere that trigger secnd-born's asthma, were put to rest by the rain. Second-born had only one coughing episode the entire eleven hours we were at the amusement park. Yes, the rain stopped the rides for a while, yet when the rain ceased, second-born had a ball riding rides, running, and laughing. We closed the park down and many lessons were learned.
Sometimes our prayers are answered in ways we don't understand. Unfavorable conditions have the ability to cover God's work and distract our focus on Him. God is in control of all things! We could have complained about the rain, but we remembered our prayer for mercy on second-born's health, and the rain was God's way of relieving his cough. Mothers endure many unfavorable moments and unwanted mishaps throughout the day, but when we allow God to be the center of our life, things work out.
It's funny how we sometimes complain when things don't go our way, yet those unpleasant moments and events are usually working in our favor - if we love God. I wanted comfort for second-born, yet had to endure a little discomfort - rain. Each time I thought about how God answered our prayer, I rejoiced! Our family was blessed through the rain and the best part was God allowing us to recognize His mighty act.
The next time it rains on your parade, don't pray for it to go away, let God show you His way!
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
