Daily Devotional for January 15, 2017
The Perfect Answer
“I wish my grandpa lived nearby,” said Nikolas as he and his friend Mason Holt went to visit Mason’s grandfather. “I wanted Grandpa to move here when Grandma died, but he didn’t.” Nikolas had always wondered why God hadn’t answer his prayer.
Mason’s grandpa was working outside when they arrived. He greeted them, then led them to his garden where he was growing watermelons. “Come back with Mason in a couple of weeks,” said Grandpa Holt, “and we’ll eat some of these good melons.”
Just then they heard a door slam. An elderly man who lived next door had come outside. “Get out of here, you nasty critters!” the man hollered at some squirrels in his yard.
“Wow!” said Nikolas. “He doesn’t sound very happy.”
Grandpa Holt shook his head. “That’s Hank Stone. He lives alone and doesn’t have any family nearby,” he explained. “His only grandchild used to visit him, but he died in a car accident about a year ago. I think the only people Hank sees now are a few old timers, like me. He misses his relatives—especially his grandson.”
As they walked over to the edge of the lawn a little later, Mr. Stone glared at them. Then his face softened, and he came over and stood in front of Nikolas. “I don’t know you,” he said, “but you sure remind me of my grandson.” Tears filled his eyes, and Nikolas looked at him uncertainly, not knowing what to say. “My grandson, he—I don’t see him anymore,” the old man said.
Nikolas gave the old man a hesitant smile. “I live a couple blocks away—maybe I could come visit you sometimes. I could bring some of my mom’s cookies.” A smile spread across Mr. Stone’s face.
When Nikolas arrived home, he told his parents about Mr. Stone. “Maybe I could adopt him as an extra grandpa since my own grandpa lives so far away.” Mom and Dad looked at each other and smiled.
“You know, Nikolas,” said Dad. “I’m thinking that if God had answered your prayer the way you wanted Him to, Mr. Stone still might not have anybody going to see him.”
Nikolas thought about that. “Maybe,” he said. “But now he has me!” – Matilda H. Nordtvedt
How about you?
Have you been frustrated when you prayed for something, but God didn’t answer the way you wanted? God answers prayers, but He answers the way He knows is best—which may not always be the way you want. Keep praying, and trust God to give the perfect answer. His way is always best, even when you don’t understand it.
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