Is God Listening??
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photo by colton miller on unsplash
Have you ever dared to pray a small prayer? So small, that if it were to be answered, you would know without a doubt God was listening?
I want to share a time this happened for me, all through the visit of a humble groundhog. I mentioned this story in my post last week, and, as promised, here it is. I hope you find it encouraging!
(Note: What I'm sharing is a condensed, devotional version of the story that was published in Creation Illustrated. If you want to read the full version with all the groundhog facts, you can find it here find it here.)
A Surprise Visit
My cat, Figaro, sat on the back step, peering through the wooden slats. Her nose was twitching and her golden eyes were wide. As I followed her gaze, I was amazed by what I saw: There, under the step, was a groundhog.
Unsure of how far the groundhog would go to protect his space, I whisked Figaro away. But once she was safely inside the house, my feelings shifted to elation. This groundhog was an answer to prayer.
About a week prior to the groundhog’s appearance, my mom had seen one while walking nearby. We often walk together, but I hadn’t been with her that day and I was disappointed I’d missed out. Though groundhogs are native to Alaska, I had never seen one up close. So I said a prayer: “Lord, please let me see that groundhog. Please.”
In the backyard, I stood cautiously at the edge of the porch, eager to see the little animal emerge. I tossed some bread near the step in an attempt to lure him into the open. But he was cautious. Several times he poked his head out, but as soon as he saw me he ducked for cover.
Finally, he came out. He was bigger than I expected, about the size of my cat, but shorter and broader and with coarse, grizzled brown fur. His bushy tail resembled a bottle scrubber, and his dark paws reminded me of leather work gloves, except his were outfitted with claws.
Instead of dashing into the bushes, as I feared he might, he waddled over to the flower box. He stood upright next to the plants, and, like a farmer pulling a branch low to pluck ripe fruit, he pulled a delphinium stalk down to his face and nibbled the blossoms.
As I watched him there with the backdrop of field grass, ferns, and evening sun, I felt as if I had stepped into The Wind in the Willows, as if I was peering into an enchanted forest. The groundhog snacked for several minutes. Then, as if he had all the time in the world, he ambled away on our little overgrown footpath.
Seeing a groundhog might seem mundane. But for me, it was a precious answer to prayer. God heard when I asked to see the groundhog and, somehow, inspired him to pay me a visit. On that warm summer day, God used nature to declare His love, affection and attention towards me.
In Psalms we’re told that the Lord “hears my voice” (Psalm 116:1 NLT) and that “He grants the desires of those who fear Him” (Psalm 145:19 NLT). God cares about our desires, even the little ones. He is a good Father, tenderly watching over us, His ear inclined to the stirrings of our hearts. He wants to delight us and speak to us uniquely and individually. Sometimes He does that through a brilliant sunrise, sometimes through a kind word from a friend. And, sometimes, He does it through something as simple as the visit of a groundhog.
Do you believe God cares about your desires? Do you ask for the small but meaningful? Trust that He hears you, and look out for His answers!
With love,
P.S. Christmas is just around the corner!
It’s the best—and also the busiest—time of year.
You want to spend time with Jesus, but there’s so much to do.
I know firsthand how the bustling, planning, and partying, can eat away at our connection with the real reason for the season.
That’s why I’m offering a video-based devotional mini-course that can help you connect with Jesus in a fresh way in just a few minutes each week in December.
Check out the details and sign up by clicking here.
I’m excited to share this special season together!
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P.S.
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