Boy, did I learn a lesson recently about why it is important to pray without ceasing! Picture this: Lost in the sprawling Miami airport, frantically searching for my rental car in a maze-like parking garage. Fear and frustration tried to consume me.
But then I remembered a simple yet profound truth: I wasn't alone in my distress. God was with me.
My journey began with a missed turn and a kind stranger in a yellow shirt who was an answer to prayer. He guided me back on track, but the challenges didn't stop there.
As I navigated through the terminal, I encountered further delays and detours. Yet, a helping hand or a timely solution appeared at every turn.
The biggest hurdle came when I returned to the parking garage, unable to find my rental car. Panic set in as I imagined hours of searching and explaining to the rental company how I lost their vehicle!
But then I thought: "I need to pray." I uttered a simple prayer: "Lord, help your girl!"
I based the prayer upon the Lord's promise in Isaiah 41:10:
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
I meditated upon that scripture as I walked in the area where I thought I had left the car, resisting the dark imagination that tried to drown me in disastrous thoughts.
Suddenly, an idea flashed through my mind – press the alarm button on my key fob. And there it was! The rental car was in a row behind me, flashing and beeping like a beacon of hope. I unlocked the car and praised God as I sat momentarily, grateful for His presence.
Even the drive to my aunt and uncle's house held a surprise – a sudden rainstorm on the highway. But, just as quickly as it started, the storm cleared, leaving me again grateful for the Lord's protection.
This experience was a vivid reminder that even amid chaos and confusion, God is with us:
- His hand guides us
- His wisdom directs us
- His love surrounds us
It was a powerful lesson about how important it is to pray without ceasing, not just for big problems but for our everyday frustrations and challenges!