At noon each Wednesday, I used to walk from the dental office where I worked to my friend Bonnie’s house nearby. There, we met for prayer. Through the months, I saw many of our prayers answered, but I also discovered the power of a wish.
A dear friend, who had been rejected for a position in her church, began to resent the one who had been chosen for it. I watched sadly as envy ate at my friend. I silently wished she would stop finding fault and take an honest look at herself.
Within a week, she called and said, “I’ve decided to get rid of my bitter attitude. Please remind me if I start to say anything negative about that person.” I thought, that’s like an answer to prayer…only I didn’t pray!
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Later, my new daughter-in-law JoAnn said she would never be baptized. I couldn’t say anything without sounding like a meddling mother-in-law, but I often wished she would change her mind. I’m sure I would have prayed about it after awhile, but before I could, she announced that she wanted to be baptized.
My fulfilled wishes reminded me of God’s message to Isaiah, “Before they call, I will answer” (Isaiah 65:24).
God knows our wishes—what we hope for—before we even realize we should pray for them. Since I discovered what can happen when I wish something good for someone, wishing has become fun for me.
Throughout my day, as I see a need, I offer wishes for others like good thoughts blown their way. The rest I leave to God. He understands and answers.
