And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.

1 John 5:15 ESV

Have you ever asked God for something you didn’t know at the time the magnitude or consequences of His answers would be?

I have—at least a couple of times--and it can be unsettling. The first time, I was twenty-eight years old and pregnant with my second child. After months of personal counseling to help overcome my painful past that was affecting my marriage, I asked God to heal my mind and emotions and do whatever was necessary to strengthen relationships.

He answered my prayer in ways I never imagined that He would.

Within a year, one result was that my first marriage of twelve years broke. It was an excruciating time for me for the next couple of years, but in the midst, I saw God’s hand orchestrating events and people for good. Even though I would never have asked to go through all that, it was God’s way to answer my prayer. He hadn’t allowed anyone to destroy me. I was thankful.

The second time was recently during a crisis. I asked God repeatedly to destroy the harmful generational sins in my family and my husband’s family back through our parents and grandparents.

I added, And God, You can start with me. Once again, God answered. I wasn’t prepared for the painful ways He would bring restoration and healing. But He has.

He wants to do the same for you, friend.

Karen Sims