“In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” John 16:23-24 (NIV)
The people of a small Mid West farming town were in trouble, and they knew it. If rain didn’t fall in the next few days, they might as well wave goodbye to that year’s crop. The harsh and immediate repercussion of that unwelcome outcome is that most of them would have to wave a sad goodbye to their source of livelihood and homes. Since most of their properties were already mortgaged on the proceeds of the year’s crop, everything they possessed was riding on them having a good harvest. So they were all agreed that something must be done and very soon.
Most of the farmers in this small town were practising Christians and the only thing they knew to do that would change their dire situation was to pray for rain. So they all agreed to meet that evening in a barn to pray for rain. At the appointed time, all of them made a beeline for the barn ready to pray. However, there was an oddity among them. One of these desperate farmers came to the prayer meeting expecting that rain would fall immediately. So he came well prepared and bent on receiving the answer to his earnest prayer. The token of that preparedness and determination not to leave the meeting empty-handed was his trusted waterproof coat and Wellington boots.
When his fellow townsfolk saw him, they couldn’t help but laugh at him because they thought that he was taking his faith too far. But this man of faith simply ignored their snide comments and focused on praying to God. They hadn’t been long into the prayer when they heard the thunder and saw the brilliant flashes of lightening that signalled to all that the desired rain was definitely on its way. However, before they could close the meeting and rush to their various homes, the heavens opened with a vengeance as torrential rain started falling. In fact, it rained through the night. The reality was that although relieved that God had answered their prayers, these farmers were stuck for the night and they knew it.
So what happened to the lone farmer who went to the meeting in faith and prepared to receive an answer from God? What happened to the man whom everybody mocked for his faith extremism or as some would say for accepting madness with his religion? Well, of all the people in that undoubtedly powerful prayer meeting that night, he was the only man who slept in his bed. All the other farmers had little choice but to sleep in the barn. So who’s laughing now? Who had the last laugh? The farmer in question went to the meeting with a resolve – to receive an answer to his prayer, and God did not disappoint his faith. God can and would do the same for you if you will approach Him in simple faith and in firm expectation as you walk in love with your fellow men. Would you trust God enough and make His and your day?
Prayer:
Lord, I understand that walking by faith is not everyone’s cup of tea, so grant me the boldness to stay committed to your promise to me irrespective of how people may view or react to me. Help me to wait on you and prove to those now laughing at me that you are indeed my God and more importantly, that you still answer prayers.