This morning I was walking the dogs and I was marveling at how the grass (that still exists) looks so bright green after yesterday evening’s brief rain. It hasn’t rained in two months at my house. We all rejoiced! That little bit of rain was enough to revive the fading energy and color of the grass. Then I remembered that many people are praying for rain and that I was one of them so I thanked God for answering our prayers.

This made me think of how God often answers our prayers much more slowly and gradually than we’d like, and that sometimes we can even forget that we had prayed earnestly for the very results that we eventually got. But since it was so slow and gradual in coming, and maybe other things were also happening during that time that were not so positive, we missed that there was progress being made. I know that often I focus too much on waiting to see the finished product. I want “everything to be okay”, but I need to be more aware of and thankful for “things getting better”.

As for prayers, God is always working, even when we don’t see it. He may be changing someone’s thoughts, convicting us of sin, bringing us to repentance, or helping someone learn to trust Him. He may be giving someone a reprieve from change and just letting them coast because He has something big prepared for their lives. He knows we can’t take too much at once, and He knows what is best for each of us. Plus, He waits for us to ask for help and obey, step by step, so change can be slow while God waits for us to take the next step in faith. The Christian walk is about living by faith, following Jesus day by day.

So next time you start wondering if God really hears your prayers, remember that God is always working even if you don’t see it. Think back over the past year and look for ways that God has changed you and those around you. Trust Him and keep moving forward and suddenly, you’ll notice that the grass is getting greener!