Isaiah 65:24 - Even Before You Unswallow

You may not want to listen to today's story if you have a queasy stomach, but I promise I'll try not to be gross.

I can't remember why it happened, but it was when I was in first grade. I had an upset stomach, probably coming down with stomach flu. And I "unswallowed." Not a lot; not violently. But enough that I found myself with a mouthful of the ...errr... results. I didn't know what to do.

I was a good, little rule follower, and raised my hand to be excused to the boy's restroom. I'm not sure what I would have said if the teacher had called on me, but in any case, I waited. And waited. I waited as patiently as a boy that age could wait, anxiously wanting the teacher to see my hand and have pity on my desperate, embarrassing situation.

The teacher never did call on me. I finally thought, "Fooey with this... I'm going to the bathroom." 

Aren't you glad that when we're in dire straits, we don't have to wait for God to notice? And yes, there's a verse that perfectly describes His care:

"Before they call I will answer..." (Isaiah 65:24, New International Version)

We don't have to wave our hand at God as if He's too preoccupied running the universe or dealing with other people. He will answer, before we ask.

Father, there are much more serious situations than the one I described. Perplexities and heart-wrenching impasses that make us want to cry out. We entrust ourselves to You now, so that when we reach that point of desperation, we know that You're already responding before we cry for help. Amen.