ISAIAH 65:24: It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still
speaking, I will hear.
Dr. Helen Roseveare, a missionary to Africa, told about a mother who died at the mission station after
giving birth to a premature baby. An incubator was set up to keep the infant alive, but the only
available hot water bottle was beyond repair.
During devotions that morning the children were asked to pray for the baby and for her young sister,
who were now orphans. One of the girls responded, “Dear God, please send a hot water bottle today.
Tomorrow will be too late because by then the baby will be dead. And dear Lord, send a doll for the
sister so she won’t feel so lonely.”
That afternoon a large parcel arrived from England. Eagerly the children watched as it was opened.
Much to their delight, under some clothing was a hot water bottle! Immediately the girl who had
prayed so earnestly started to delve deeper, exclaiming, “If God sent that, I’m sure He also sent a
doll.” And she was right! Five months earlier, God had led a group of women in England to include
both of those items in response to a prayer that had not yet been uttered.
That’s the promise God gives us through Isaiah. As the One who knows what lies ahead, the Lord
works even in the past to bring about blessings for His children’s future.
As you consider your situation today, it may seem that the Lord is asking you to do the illogical. You
may think, Why should God prompt me to do this? I see no need. But remember, what you do today
could be the answer to someone’s prayers tomorrow. Trust God, and let the One who holds both the
past and future be your Guide for the present.
WITH GOD, THE PAST AND FUTURE ARE SIMPLY PART OF THE ETERNAL PRESENT.