This week I decided to clean out my media cabinet.

Not a particularly exciting chore and certainly not something that one would think would reveal a moment with God.

But, that’s what happened.

After digging through a mound of movies and books, I found a small, inexpensive velvet gift box tucked deep in the back of the cabinet.

I had completely forgotten about this little box and didn’t even remember its purpose.

I opened the lid and peered inside only to find little pieces of paper.

An assorted paper mixture of varying colors, shapes, and sizes.

Seemingly, nothing of any real value.

That is until I opened the pieces of paper and realized their content.

You see, this was a prayer box I was given back in 2011 to utilize as a safe place for me to store my prayers to God.

How it got in the back of my media cabinet I cannot explain but “out-of-sight & out-of-mind” prevailed.

I gingerly took out each slip of paper and began to unfold them. Each one revealed heartfelt pleas to God. As I read them, I reflected on God's goodness and began to realize that He had answered every single one of them! (Maybe not the way I would have liked or imagined but, answers nevertheless.)

I separated them into piles and was able to see God's handiwork:

Largest Pile- Answer: Yes

Middle Pile- Answer: Wait

Smallest Pile- Answer: No

It was at that moment that I realized there is no such thing as an “unanswered prayer” because God ALWAYS answers; even the most trivial of requests.

This little box revealed a precious moment with God and was priceless.

God is a good father that knows how to give exceptional gifts, and He delights in lavishing His children with blessings.

“So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” ~ Matthew 7:11

“He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?” ~Romans 8:32

Sometimes He tells us to wait because the timing isn't right, we aren't ready yet, or He needs to orchestrate the right plan.

Other times, the answer is no because He loves us too much to grant something that ultimately is not for our good or His design. The disappointment hurts like crazy, but God always has better plans for us; we just have to believe and trust in His goodness.

This little prayer box deserves to be displayed and not forgotten. God’s royal responses to our prayers should be counted, cherished and remembered; as they are love exchanges between a Holy God and His beloved child.

Thank you, Father, for lovingly hearing and responding to our prayers. Nothing is too small or insignificant for your attention. You are good all the time and always grant what is best for your children. Even when our hearts break, and we desperately want our dreams and desires granted you are too kind and generous to give us anything less than your best.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.” ~James 1:17