What a day. Cleaning up the remains of two fallen trees had taken some doing! (See “Dead Elm Trees are Falling Down, Falling Down, Falling Down“) My wife and I did finally succeed in cleaning up most of the mess; however we decided to leave the tree trunks on the side of our property until spring, when a good chain saw would turn them into perfect-sized firewood.

Once back inside I relaxed. I had just begun working on the computer when I realized that my watch was missing! I was quickly filled with dread: “What if…? Oh no!” I searched all the places I had been since returning to the house, but my watch was nowhere to be found. That only meant that I must have lost it while cleaning up the dead trees! I ran out to the back of the property. I checked the tree trunks carefully, even delving into the heap of branches we had neatly piled at the back of the pond. No watch!

“What now?” I cried out.

Then came the voice of my Maker: “Ask me!”

I was immediately struck with shame. In my rush to find my watch, I had forgotten to ask God for His guidance and help. How could I anticipate succeeding without the One who has always been there for me?

“Please forgive me Lord for not consulting with you sooner,” I whispered. “I don’t deserve your guidance, but I know you will lead me to my watch and I thank You for Your help. I love You, Lord!”

As soon this prayer was uttered, I saw clearly where my watch was located. I quickly ran back to the house, and sure enough it was exactly where God had shown me it would be.

“But,” you say, “I thought you had already searched your house!”

I had! And I still missed it!

Whenever you depend on your own efforts, you are generally faced with disappointment and discouragement. You may be facing trials much bigger than a lost watch. Your spouse may have left you, one of your children may be rebelling against you or even worse one of your loved ones may have died. No matter what your circumstances, you don’t need to face them alone. Jesus is there for you.

“Jesus doesn’t care for me!” You may exclaim.

It may feel that way, but if you want proof that He loves you personally, I would like to challenge you with the following: The next time you loose something (e.g. keys, watch…) stop in your tracks. Instead of trying to find them on your own, ask Jesus to help you. Trust Him. Believe He will lead you to them. You will be amazed how Jesus will work things out for you. You will be assured that indeed He loves you very deeply and wants to be your friend. If He can take care of such small things, imagine what a difference He will make in your life when facing monstrous trials!

“Your love, GOD, fills the earth! Train me to live by your counsel.” (Ps 119:64 The Message)

“But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!” (Jude 20-21 The Message)

Are you missing something? Take the challenge and experience Jesus in your life.

Rob Chaffart
Director, Answers2Prayer Ministries