After much discussion and deliberation, my wife and I decided to sell our second car, my beloved “Canary,” which I’ve driven for the last three years. The sale is prompted by both economic and practical matters. Naturally, I brought this plan before my Father in heaven, praying that if He agreed with our decision, He would send me a buyer. I made up this nice sign, and parked my little jewel in the front yard.

In just a few days, a man called, and came to test drive the car. He told me that he’d probably “flip” it, that is to offer it for sale at a higher price. We agreed on a price, and he said he’d buy at that price if no one else offered me more within three days. Well, two days later, another man called. He and his wife drove the car, thinking to buy it for their teenage son. (Pending disposition of the son’s present ride, a 20 year old rust-bucket.)

That night I thanked God for sending not one, but two buyers.

Then life happened. The first guy called and wanted his mechanic to check it out – which was fine by me – but his mechanic was busy blah, blah, blah. And the couple was contemplating investing in repairs for the kid’s rust-bucket. So as of today, I have zero buyers.

I’m OK with that.

I have many prayer requests presently before the throne of God. Some of them are daily petitions for those I love; some are urgent, driven by immediate needs of friends or family. Many petitions are for the church, for the lost sinners of the world, for the spread of the gospel, and for peace. Other pleadings are for my own strength, understanding, and victory over ongoing sin. Sometimes I tell the Father that I’m ready to go home.

Jesus said, “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14 (ESV)

“Anything.” God is not a genie in a bottle, standing by to grant our every wish. I might wish I had a cold beer right now, but that would not constitute a legitimate claim on the Ultimate Provider of all things. Notice the two conditions in Jesus’ promise. “Ask in my name” means that we cannot ask for anything God has forbidden, nor can we ask frivolously. That does not mean we can’t ask for small things.

Once on the golf course, the starter paired me up with a couple of teenage boys, who I am sure were thrilled by my presence. As made our way around the course, I listened to their conversation, and they talked about being in catechism class. I took that opening to say that the most important thing to learn is who Jesus is, and that knowing Jesus changed my life when I was about their age. As I returned to my golf ball in the fairway, I asked God to give me a good swing, just keep me from looking ridiculous after bearing witness. I proceeded to hit one of the best three iron shots of my life. Small thing; good reason.

The second condition is “that the Father may be glorified”. I’m fairly certain that my winning the lottery would not glorify God. Because if I’m buying lottery tickets, I’m demonstrating that I don’t trust God to provide, I’m instead putting my trust in “chance”, which, if you believe in the sovereignty of God, does not exist. (Full disclosure: I have bought lottery tickets in the past; one of the many sins I’m ashamed of.) God provides most often through ordinary means, like a job. Sometimes, when it is a needed, we are the recipients of aid from other sources. Mostly though, God gives us the skills, and the opportunity. We’re expected to do the work.

One time, years ago, I was really unhappy with my job. I prayed earnestly for a change. The Father’s answer came in the form an unexpected layoff. God was saying, “OK, you don’t like your job? Then I’ll take it away.” Kind of scary for a one income family. In that situation, God was telling me to trust Him, and wait on Him. I did; and He provided. My book is full of stuff like that.

My prayer list is full. For family situations, for grandkids who as young adults are learning to make their way in life, for health issues, for friends and their trials with aging and health, for the upcoming election, and yes, for world peace. I pray that the kingdom of God will grow on earth. I pray Jesus will come back soon.

Every one of these petitions is being heard by Someone who loves me more than I can imagine. And in His great love and infinite wisdom, every one of those prayers is being answered. Thanks be to God.