But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord. At an acceptable time,
O God, in the abundance of Your steadfast love answer me
in Your saving faithfulness.
Psalm 69: 13 (ESV)
Series: The Breadcrumb Trail
The last 10-15 years of my grandmother’s life are my most treasured. The talks, the laughter, the tears we shed, and the countless episodes of Walker, Texas Ranger, will forever hold a special place in my heart. But why these years? I loved my grandmother my whole life, and one habit of hers changed our relationship for eternity. She prayed. She waited. Then she prayed again.
As a young woman, I thought I had the answers for how my life would go. I loved animals, and planned to be a veterinarian. I had some close friends, a few enemies, and a family who loved each other deeply. We celebrated everything with some form of a party. When the gathering took place at my grandparents’ house, no one ever wanted the celebration to end. There was something marvelous about being in their home with my cousins, aunts, uncles, siblings, and my parents. Joy was always there.
My grandmother was always telling us kids she was sitting on our shoulder watching us. Although I knew it was just her way of saying stay out of trouble, there were times I definitely chose wiser for fear of her finding out. There was something about her that was different. At the time, I chalked it up to her being a little odd about some things. You know, like having a Bible sitting out on her kitchen table. Going to church TWO OR THREE times a week! Cooking for strangers, giving money to the church, you know, that kind of weird stuff. And this thinking went on for most of my life.
I know my grandmother prayed a lot. She even tried to talk to me about Jesus. I’d change the subject on her repeatedly. Finally, I thought she gave up the fight. Little did I know her battle would continue silently and on her knees—one day at a time.
I imagine she grew tired of asking God to draw me closer to Him. But in my special talks with her, I found out her prayers just got stronger. Have you been praying for someone you love to love Jesus? Have you given up hope they will ever turn to Him? Don’t quit. God has a path for all of us to find Him. Some of us just let things block the trail for far too long. Prayers clear the way. My grandmother knew it and refused to let what looked inconceivable destroy her Hope.
Looking at scripture, I think she would have clung to these:
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26 ESV)
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV)Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, (Deuteronomy 7:9 ESV)
In her own way, each time she prayed at a meal with me, told me she was praying for me, or dared to breathe the name of Jesus in my presence, she dropped a breadcrumb for me to follow. And when I met this guy, just as she promised, He certainly was the “One” I needed more than anything—thank You Jesus. In that instant, we were not only grandmother and granddaughter, we became sisters-in-Christ. What a turn of events. Talk about a plot twist!
Well, I had part of my life plan right. I got married to a great guy and we have two daughters we love and pray for every day. My family still loves each other deeply, and we gather as often as we can to celebrate all the wonderful times. But I never got to be that veterinarian. I still love animals, but God had a different trail laid out for me. I spend my time sharing the Hope of Christ with women.
I am forever grateful that my grandmother got to see the fruit of her faithful prayers to a faithful Father. I know Jesus as my Savior, and at 92 yrs old, she joined my husband to help baptize me in 2010. My grandma passed from this world to Heaven on July 6, 2020 and I miss her every day. Because she prayed, I will joyfully unite with her in eternity when it is my turn to go. Hallelujah!
I don’t know whether you know Him, love Him, or trust in Him. But I know He is faithful to open the door if you knock.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7 ESV)
Sisters, look for those breadcrumbs before you. There is always a trace of His love nearby. You need to know He loves you, cherishes you, sees you, and waits for you. My guess is a woman you know has shared a little piece of Jesus with you. You may have brushed her off—then she prayed.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Psalm 69:13; Matthew 19:26; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Deuteronomy 7:9; Matthew 7:7
