The wheels on this little “matchbox” sized Army truck came loose one day recently. They were caught inside the under-carriage.  My son brought the truck to me because he couldn’t fix it himself. He said he prayed that God would fix it.

{I think this may be the same truck he brought me at least once before a year or so earlier- maybe even 2 years ago with the same problem. I told him to pray and ask God to help it get fixed. Afterall, God cares about everything we care about. God answered and one of us was able to fix the truck. Brendan was learning that God does hear and answer prayer.}

Back to recent. Brendan brings me the truck and tells me at some point he prayed that God would fix it. I tell him I will work on the truck later that night. Later comes and I forget.

The next day I see the truck and start to work on it. Not quite sure I can fix it. After some fiddling with it I’m able to get the wheels out where they need to be and the bar connecting them- hopefully in its place. I can’t see behind the bottom side of the truck after all. I’m kind of just winging it since the ultimate control is behind something I can’t see. I fix it.

I tell Brendan about the truck. He says something like –  “but I prayed last night? Why didn’t God answer me then?” I answer- “Because I forgot.” I didn’t do MY part.

And I realize God is teaching me a lesson this time.  Not that its something I never “knew”.  Just something I don’t probably realize as often as I ought and that is…

…that God answers our prayers (many times) by including “other people” to be part of those answers.

God heals people by using doctors. God saves souls by sending someone to share the gospel with them. God provides for the poor by the hands of the willing and able. God feeds us by using farmers skilled in agriculture. He sends the sun and rain to nurture the work of  their hands. And God answered my son’s prayers to fix his broken truck by making it possible for mommy to get the pieces back in place. Mommy just had to do her part.

And God loves on people – by and through using other people. We are the hands and feet of God “in action”.

Its more than just giving the gospel though. Its about meeting needs when we can, encouraging when we have the opportunity, its praying for others,  showing interest, making a meal, giving of our time, and sending a card.

I wonder if someone else’s  prayer hasn’t been answered yet because I haven’t done my part? I intend to walk more closely with the Lord about this, seeking Him and watching to see how and where He might want to use me.

Could you be the answer to someone’s prayer too?

“FOR WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THEM THAT PREACH THE GOSPEL OF PEACE, AND BRING GLAD TIDINGS OF GOOD THINGS!” Romans 10:13-15

*the Good Test