So, here you are reading The Standard Newspaper on the day of publication, or perhaps the day after on the internet or even later in the week or month. This is a good practice as the Standard is a quality publication worthy of a read.
What is also true is that the articles you are enjoying were written recently, but not at this very moment. This means that journalists, editorial writers, adjunct contributors, and members of the public at large, all have considered, prepared, and submitted information, ideas, and opinions, in advance of your current attention.
I know, I know: “Newsflash! It turns out that water is wet.” There is, however, a point I am driving toward.
As a religious teacher, I, too, prepare in advance, not only this article, but a host of other materials for people to consider. I often hear comments, especially at the end of Sunday sermons, about how a particular instruction seemed to be meant for a specific attendee. Maybe you have experienced this, too, in a church service or something similar.
Have you ever wondered why this may be the case?
Certainly, you and I understand cause and effect, but having something impact you well after the author has written down their thoughts seems fortuitous at a minimum. “How,” we may reason, “is it possible that my concern, problem, or question, be addressed with such specificity when the author could not have known anything of my situation?”
Jesus said something simple and profound regarding our needs and how God addresses them. In short, he said, “[God] knows what you need before you ask Him.”
How God orchestrates these answers to our concerns is often of the miraculous nature such as reading, hearing, or watching another speak to our questions without any previous knowledge of us or our path.
To illustrate how God works in advance, I consider this:
Dr. Helen Roseveare, missionary to Zaire, told the following story: “A mother at our mission station died after giving birth to a premature baby. We tried to improvise an incubator to keep the infant alive, but the only hot water bottle we had was beyond repair. So, we asked the children to pray for the baby and for her sister. One of the girls responded, ‘Dear God, please send a hot water bottle today. Tomorrow will be too late because by then the baby will be dead. And dear Lord, send a doll for the sister so she won’t feel so lonely.’
That afternoon a large package arrived from England. The children watched eagerly as we opened it. Much to their surprise, under some clothing was a hot water bottle! Immediately the girl who had prayed so earnestly started to dig deeper, exclaiming, ‘If God sent that, I’m sure He also sent a doll!’ And she was right! God knew in advance of that child’s sincere requests, and 5 months earlier He had led a ladies’ group to include both of those specific articles.”
So, ask. Because God already knows.
Kent Simmons is the pastor of Canyon Community Church. He can be reached at kent@canyon-church.com.