When my husband, Joe, and I moved to Pennsylvania with our young sons many years ago, his job was in New Jersey, and he resolved himself to a long commute until he retired. Some years later, his company closed down, and he went through a painful period of unemployment. Both of us thought Joe had no choice but to look for another job in New Jersey, because salaries there were so much higher than here in PA. I began earnestly praying that the Lord would intervene in a mighty way on Joe's behalf, so that my husband could find an excellent-paying job within our own state, and so that the long commutes that were taking a toll on him would be a thing of the past. And I asked God to do it in a way that would cause everyone to know that it was HIS doing. Suddenly, God opened a door, and Joe was offered a job right here in our region of Pennsylvania, with a salary much higher than any he was offered in New Jersey. People we knew were constantly telling us that it was a miracle, and God got all the glory.

Whenever I think of this experience, I can't help thinking of some verses in Psalm 109: "Help me, O Lord my God! Save me because of Your unfailing love. Let them see that this is Your doing, that You Yourself have done it, Lord." (Psalm 109:26-27 NLT) I have memorized these precious verses, so that I can pray them regularly in all kinds of situations. What is it that I'm asking the Lord to do when I pray these Scriptures?

I am asking Him to not only rescue me or my loved one, but I am asking Him to do it in such a way that there will be no doubt in my mind, and in the minds of others, that divine intervention was involved. Why? So that those who are against me (including the devil himself) may know that God is on my side, and that He fights my battles for me. And so that they may come to believe that God is real, and that He protects and provides for His devoted ones - that they too may want a relationship with Him.

When you are in trouble, don't just pray for God to rescue you. Pray that He will do it in such a way that everyone will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was God Himself who did it!

Prayer: Lord, when I am faced with a need or challenge of any kind, remind me that You desire that I come to You for assistance before anyone else. Help me to see You as the all-wise, all-knowing, all-powerful God that You are. Teach me to spend regular time in Your Word, soaking up Your Presence, and praying Your promises back to You. Thank You that as I look to You to do the miraculous, You will show up in a big way, and You will get all the glory!