Shutting the Lions' Mouths

You really think I would have learned by now that God answers prayer or not doubt that He will. Last night I had the opportunity to witness this in a very tangible way.

We had two visitors to our cell group last night who I immedeately felt the need to pray for since they had very obviously been drinking. One of them actually gave me the sense of having evil intensions. Maybe it was just me, I don't know. He just seemed very in your face at times. He gave me a very uneasy feeling and I discovered later that I was not the only one who sensed that after hearing comments made by some of the other ladies. While we were having our opening prayer time when Phil had opened for requests and praises, they jumped right in and often would interrupt when others were trying to share...it was interesting to say the least. I was very proud of Phil for the patience and grace he handled the situation. I was a little concerned about if they kept it up when Phil was to do the Bible study though since I knew it would be hard to try teaching with all the extra talking, interruptions, etc. and they really needed to hear the lesson. God put in my mind the story of Daniel and the lions and immediately I began to pray, "Lord, you shut the mouths of the lions for Daniel, please, shut the mouths of these men and open their ears and hearts to listen.Take away the effects of the alcohol and give them clarity of thought and understanding of Your Word." To be honest, I was not sure what would happen (o me of little faith) because I also know that God does not always answer our prayers as we see fit....He ALWAYS answers, just not always in the WAY we would expect or want. When Phil gave the lesson, neither one said a word, NOT A SINGLE WORD the ENTIRE time!!! They also appeared to be very attentive to the lesson on why Jesus came...to die for us which is the real meaning of Christmas.

God is so good, reminding me once again that all it takes is a little faith....because that is what I had. He is so much greater than my human mind can wrap itself around even though I often try to confine Him to the box of my reality or my understanding. Merry Christmas! I pray that we experience Him in new and exciting ways this year.