Craig Clouston

Messengers

I will send my messenger.
Malachi 3:1

Thoroughly distracted, Michaela continued waiting tables. She’d just received the news that she was being laid off, and she’d been given one week’s notice before the layoff took effect.
Like everyone else, Michaela and her family lived day-to-day, dependent on her and her husband’s weekly wages.
Lord, what are we supposed to do? she silently prayed. You know we don’t have any savings. And Melvin’s wages won’t support us. How are we supposed to manage? In her spirit, she felt God answer. I will provide. Trust Me. Somewhat encouraged, she went about her business. Yet unsure of how His provision would manifest itself, she remained a little unsettled.
As Michaela took an order from a middle-aged couple, they asked if she had any prayer needs. She couldn’t believe it! Briefly, she shared what had happened. Even more unexpected, when she’d concluded her story, the couple took her hands and prayed for her, right there, right then! Her hope restored, Michaela thanked them and returned to work.
Later, as the couple left, they hugged Michaela and told her to have faith.
After they departed, Michaela returned to clean their table and found an envelope with her name on it. Opening it, she was awestruck to find five hundred dollars and a simple note. “God sent us here today with a message of hope for you. Never doubt that He has His eye on you!”

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God knew the worry that threatened Michaela’s heart, so He sent messengers to confirm His unseen provision.
Although God sends us messages all the time, the message and messengers aren’t always easily recognized. Many times we fail to notice the visit until sometime later, after we’ve had a chance to assimilate the message.
God’s use of His children, as well as all Creation, is well documented in Scripture. He uses His messengers to show us that He knows what we need and is paying attention. Not all messages are as definable as today’s story. Sometimes the message is subtle; other times it’s as clear as audible conversation.
Each of them is timely and perfect if we watch for them.

Prayer

“Help me trust in You for all my needs, Papa. And when I doubt, help me recognize Your messenger so I can better hear the message. Amen.”