Strength for Today

God is way ahead of us. Even in our prayers. "Before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear" (Isa. 65:24). Ever have this happen to you? You are praying for something or someone and you find out that God has already answered your prayer. Sometimes the answer comes while you are praying and sometimes God has answered your prayer even before you prayed. When Abraham was old he sent his servant back to his homeland to select a wife for his son Isaac. When the servant arrived, he prayed, "O LORD God of my master Abraham, please give me success this day..." (Gen. 24:12). Now watch what happened next. "And it happened, before he had finished speaking, that behold, Rebekah...came out with her pitcher on her shoulder" (Gen. 24:15). Rebekah drew water for him and his camels, just as he had prayed. Later, the servant tells her brother and father the amazing story. "But before I had finished speaking in my heart, there was Rebekah..." (Gen. 24:45). I wonder how many times God has done this for His people? For you? Before you had finished speaking in your heart, there was the answer! We used to sing a chorus in Christian service camp and in college that says, "I believe the answer's on the way. I believe the Lord has heard me pray." Daniel needed divine help. And divine help came as he was praying. "Now while I was speaking, praying, and confessing my sin...yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, reached me about the time of the evening offering" (Dan. 9:20-21). Yes, God hears and answers our prayers -- sometimes even before we call or while we are still speaking! When you pray, pray in faith, believing that God can answer your prayer even while you are speaking.