READ: JUDGES 6:36-40; LUKE 12:6-7; JAMES 1:5

Some of my favorite childhood memories involve books. I knew that when I grew up I wanted to be a writer. After college I started selling a few articles here, a few stories there. But I was far away from the best seller status of my childhood dreams. Was I on the wrong track? Maybe my job as a library assistant was all I would ever be. I grew increasingly discouraged.

One summer vacation I put out a Gideon’s fleece. In the Bible, God told a man named Gideon to deliver Israel from their enemies, the Midianites. But Gideon wanted to be sure of what the Lord was asking him to do, so he asked God for a sign. He put out a fleece and asked God to make the fleece wet with dew but leave the ground dry in the morning. And God did it! The next day, Gideon asked God to do the opposite: make the ground wet with dew but leave the fleece dry. And God did it! So, like Gideon, I asked for a sign. I said, “Lord, if You want me to keep writing, let me sell a piece before I go back to work in the fall.” An easy sign for God to fulfill? No way! I made sure He would be forced to answer “no.” I had nothing out for consideration. Not one story. Not one article. I had made God’s answer an impossibility.

Or so I thought. As the summer days passed, I grew increasingly relieved. Then, two days before I was scheduled to go back to work, a contract came in the mail from a magazine I had sold several stories to. They would pay $140 to republish one of my stories. My jaw dropped. I had never seen a story reprinted in that magazine.

I was awed by God’s perfect timing. Overwhelmed that He was listening to me. Not only listening, but responding. To me! Someone who’d had such grandiose plans yet accomplished so little.

Thank You, God, for reminding me that You, who oversee all things, are willing to address the smallest concerns of those who love You. • Carol Raj

• When our dreams seem to be failing to materialize, God invites us to bring our questions and requests to Him. He loves us so much that Jesus died and rose again so we could be with Him forever. He cares about you and your plans and dreams. Perhaps God has a different dream for you, or a different timetable. Consider taking some time to ask Him about your dreams.

• Who do you turn to for advice about your plans and dreams for the future? In addition to talking to God about your plans, consider discussing these ideas with trusted Christian adults. You could even ask them to share their own experiences with you.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. James 1:5 (NLT)