Daily Devotional for August 12, 2021
The Answered Prayer
Sydney was trying on her new school clothes when her mom looked into the room. “How are you liking the clothes we ordered online?” Mom asked. “Do they fit?”
“I like them a lot, and all the shirts and pants fit,” Sydney said. “But these shoes are too small—my feet must have grown over the summer.”
“Those shoes are really cute though,” said Maggie, her older sister. “All the girls are wearing them.”
“Well, I’m glad you like the shirts and pants,” Mom said. “We’ll send back the shoes and get the next size up. Now come on. It’s time for devotions.” So Sydney set her things aside, and the girls joined their parents in the living room.
When Dad asked for prayer requests, Sydney thought of something. “This afternoon I was playing with Ella next door, and I noticed her shoes are worn out—there’s actually a hole in the sole of one of them! Let’s pray that Ella will get some new shoes.”
“We’ll do that,” said Dad. “And let’s pray that her dad will be well again soon and able to find a new job.”
As Sydney prayed for Ella, she had a funny feeling she was forgetting something. She still felt that way as she put her new clothes in the closet. Even when she crawled into bed, the feeling stayed with her.
What am I forgetting? she wondered as she stared into the dark. I think I did everything I was supposed to do today. I finished my chores before going to Ella’s, and after dinner Maggie and I did the dishes. During devotions, Dad read some verses about showing our faith in Jesus by helping people who need food or clothes. Then I shared a prayer reque— Sydney sat right up and almost laughed out loud. That’s it! She jumped out of bed and ran to the living room.
“Guess what!” she exclaimed. “I think God wants me to be the answer to our prayer and give Ella the shoes that don’t fit me. Her feet are a little smaller than mine, so I think they’ll fit her. Then I can buy a pair in my size with my own money.”
Mom and Dad looked surprised. Then Mom smiled. “Sydney, what a great idea!”
-Barbara J. Westberg
How about you?
Are you asking God to do something for someone else? Have you considered that He might want to use you as the answer to your own prayers? It may require some sacrifice on your part, but you might be able to provide exactly what that person needs. Be ready to obey if God prompts you to do something about it. Put your faith into action by praying for others and also by doing what you can to help them.
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