I had no idea I had been praying for him for almost nine years when I met him. I had prayed for his relationship with the Lord, faithfulness to his wife, and integrity. I had prayed for his ability to provide for his family, not knowing he was already a business owner. I had prayed for his relationship with his daughter, having no clue he would be Daddy to six of them.
Our families became friends and overlapped in ministry and life, so I prayed specifically for their mama as she homeschooled, their finances as they raised a large family and served their community through their business, and their relationships as the children grew, matured, and bickered as siblings do. I prayed for the salvation of their daughters.
Understanding dawned one night when my son said, “Mom, I think Becky is the one.”
God had answered my prayers for this known-only-to-God family and gave me a front-row seat to His mercy and grace. He had supplied my soon-to-be daughter-in-love with parents who loved Jesus. Her daddy led and served their family and loved them well. Her mama was gentle, kind, and thoughtful. Becky loved Jesus, and her foundation for a life with Jacob was firm.
Praying for all people is pretty specific in its generalities. We do not know all people, but some we do not know will affect our families and lives. We should pray for world leaders and those who have authority over us, but praying for all people also means those who influence my family’s future. Future in-laws, future employers, and future spiritual leaders. Asking God to raise leaders who love Him, families who follow Him, and employment opportunities is part of interceding on behalf of our children. Praying for God’s protection and blessing for those who will become family is part of loving those who already are family.
Abundant blessings await us when God reveals whom we have faithfully lifted to Him. Think of people known only to God for whom you can pray.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and doungtepro.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Sharon Carpenter is a writer.