Answered Prayer

As our school year began, I honestly was quite nervous about how Ben would do. He has struggled with academics his whole life, not because of smarts, but because he just couldn't read or organize his thoughts. He has struggled some in group situations, with friendships (though God has blessed him with some amazing, non-judgmental, easy-going friends), and with staying the course. I expected to fight with him over the schedule, the amount of work required in "middle school level work," well, with all of it.

And I prayed for Ben - to be strong and courageous, to grow in confidence and ability, to know that no challenge is too big for him.

God answered. "Yes."

I'm sitting here, week two of school, not quite sure what to do with myself. Ben gets up and starts his day. He tackles his work subject by subject, on his own. He has read his own assignments (asking only for occasional explanations in rhetoric), written his own outlines and papers, followed his schedule. I sit. I wait. I wonder when the bottom will fall out.

But God answered. "Yes."

So as I write, I apologize to God. I asked Your help with our school year. I asked You to prepare Ben for the new level of work. I asked You to guide us. I asked You to help him learn to read and gain confidence. I am sorry I doubted You. You love Ben more than I can. Of course, You would prepare him for the challenges in school. Of course You would honor my prayers... It's not like I haven't prayed a long time for these same things. I am sorry for almost missing it. Thank You, Lord, for taking me on this journey with Ben. For using his learning differences to help me grow in patience, gentleness and trust in You. I rejoice that You answer prayer, always at the perfect time, and with the perfect answer. Please help me remember the lessons You are teaching me. And continue to grow Ben in confidence, wisdom and love for You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen