Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Matthew 10:30
It was a time when answering machines and landlines were the main means of communication for most people. Texting was nonexistent. Cell phone numbers were closely guarded to avoid racking up charges for excess minutes. It was also the time when I was investigating what the Bible had to say about what I could expect from God when I needed answers.
As I searched the Scriptures I found both Old and New Testaments filled with accounts of God’s supernatural guidance to those who asked. It was clearly the norm to be led by God’s Spirit. Being a list maker, I began to catalogue a growing number of promises to today’s reader. The evidence was overwhelming that God will instruct and teach His people. As we acknowledge Him, He will direct our paths.
Eager to experience this for myself, I started with what I considered to be the “big stuff.” As I faced decisions that involved a significant investment of time or money, I asked God for the wisdom He promises in James 1:5. Praying for specific answers taught me the patience I lacked as I waited on His tailor made solutions. To my delight, God faithfully delivered the wisdom I needed on time every time.
If God would come through for me in weightier matters, maybe I should ask Him about the details of my day. After all, Jesus said that I am so important to Him that He numbers the very hairs on my head. As a woman with a thick head of hair, I’ve always loved that thought! In my mind’s eye I can see a gigantic tally in heaven with my name on it. Every time I shampoo or style my hair, the number changes to reflect my current hair count.
Armed with this Scripture and God’s record of answered prayer, I approached Him boldly. I had a conflict on my schedule that included a hair appointment. “Lord,” I prayed, “I really don’t want to cancel that hair appointment. But, more than that, I want to know what You think best. Will You confirm if it is okay to keep it or not?” With that, I left the house for my morning running date and a quick trip to the grocery store.
As I was unloading my groceries, I noticed the blinking light on my answering machine indicating three new messages. Reaching for pen and pad, I heard the words, “This is Rhonda from Oak Street Hair Group, calling to confirm your appointment.” “Oh no, not that,” I thought. I still needed God to show me what to do. Message number two interrupted my thoughts: “This is Rhonda from Oak Street Hair Group, calling to confirm your appointment.” “Didn’t she already say that?” I wondered, a bit distracted. The third message got my attention: “This is Rhonda with Oak Street Hair Group, calling to confirm your appointment.”
I was astonished and exhilarated as I realized that the God of the universe had answered my prayer for confirmation! About a hair appointment. I began dancing around my kitchen, laughing and shouting, “God, You are so amazing! You are awesome! You are so funny!” Wouldn’t you love to know what God did to get Rhonda to call me three times in a row?
I saved those messages for the longest time, playing them for anyone who would take time to listen. Some reasoned them away as coincidence, but not me. This very personal encounter with the living God emboldened me to ask all the more. And the more I asked, the more He answered, confirming His answers when necessary. I am forever convinced that my heavenly Father answers my prayers so that I may know how much He cares about even my tiniest concerns.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7
[For a list of supporting Scriptures, see the handout “Listening to God.” Find it in the posting entitled “Beholding Jesus: He Calls Me To Come & Follow – 10/09/12” on the Resources tab of this website.]