The end of the story
My husband and two younger kids are in the car in front of me. It’s December 26, 2020 and we are on our way down south. I’m in the passenger seat of my car, and next to me, driving is my older son. And if you read my book – Hope Against Hope – you know why I have to write this. This time last year I had just released my book, and honestly, the end left us all wondering just where the story would go.
This is where the story went.
We started with a coffee and a conversation. Then, when there was a very painful death in our family he reconnected with all of us. And here we are. Driving together toward a family gathering down south. This has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. For most of this year I have had all three of my children together, laughing, eating, and just being together.
So for those who wonder if God hears our heart cry…for those who aren’t sure if He answers, I’m here to say, “yes He does”.
We spend months, even years, praying and asking – sometimes even begging. And when He answers, it can tend to sneak up on us to the point where we don’t even realize it for the miracle it is.
I remember the moment He pointed it out to me. It was the end of July, at my daughter’s graduation party. My son and I were facing each other, having a conversation. As he spoke, as I looked into his eyes, I heard God whisper in my heart, “Do you see it?” My heart responded, “What, God?” “The answer to your prayer”, He said.
I did see it.
And it took my breath away at that moment. The words of the prayer I had prayed over and over again ran through my mind, it came from a verse in Ezekiel.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26
Back then I asked Him daily to do that for my son. And He did. He really, truly did. The man standing in front of me was a totally different man. His heart and spirit were different.
I have said this before, but I’ll say it again. I’m not sure why I am so amazed when God answers my prayers. It’s what He does. He told us He would. Yet, when I see it so clearly like that, it blows my mind. I mean, who am I that He would hear me? Who am I that He would concern Himself with my life?
Yet He does.
He did. He heard. He answered.
And here I am. In the car with my son. Having conversations about nothing and everything. Enjoying music and the sun. My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude for the God who hears, the God who answers, the God who loves.
And the Christmas that could have been painful and difficult became one of my best Christmas seasons yet. Thank You, Lord.