There are moments or even “seasons” in life when we are brought to our knees, when the weight of uncertainty or pain seems too great to carry on our own. In those moments, we turn to God in prayer, sometimes with trembling hearts, sometimes with tear-filled eyes. We lay our burdens before God, hoping for a miracle, or even just a whisper of peace.

For the past several weeks, my family has been walking through one of those seasons. We needed God in a very real, very urgent way… for our daughter, Megan and her unborn third son. As we faced uncertainty in her high-risk pregnancy, which has included one airlift and a 5-day ICU stay, something beautiful has happened, as we have seen before: the people of God surrounded us. I don’t want to take this for granted and I don’t want to boast or brag. I say this to witness to our amazing God because I think so often we ask for prayers and never really respond as to how they were answered.

Prayers poured out like rain. Friends, family, our church, Tres Dias & R.O.C.K. communities, even those we didn’t expect, stood in the gap, lifting us up. We were reminded that we never walk alone, not when we have God, and not when we belong to the body of Christ.

And God, oh, how faithful He is! He is hearing our prayers, and is answering them in ways that have me in awe. Our grandson (@ 32 weeks) is just over 4 pounds and it looks like he will not need to arrive until at least week 34. Megan, although still at risk, is able to remain home at rest and just yesterday we found out the length of her hospital stay will be less than originally expected.

Although she isn’t “out of the woods”, this is all completely God’s work. When she and Austin called with this news as they left her appointment yesterday, peace came. I realized provision came. God was responding to all these prayers that have been being lifted for weeks by so many people. And yet, even as I rejoiced, a question stirred in my heart: Why am I surprised?

Why are we ever surprised when our God does what He promises?

God doesn’t just meet our needs. He exceeds them. He does “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” He weaves His power and love into our lives in ways we could never orchestrate ourselves. His timing is perfect. His ways are higher. And His answers, whether yes, no, or wait, are always grounded in love and wisdom.

Yesterday, when I shared the news with my “Fruits of the Spirit” sisters (you know the ones Jeff refers to lovingly as “the Fruit Loops” 😉) Neva told me someday I’ll have to tell this baby boy how many people have prayed for him. I told her, “Just as soon as he is born and I can hold him, he’s going to hear all about those prayers.”

Today, I find myself overwhelmed, not just by what God has done, but by who He is… a faithful Father,  a miracle-working God, a loving Shepherd. I am thankful for every prayer prayed on our behalf. Thankful for a community that lifts one another up. And most of all, thankful for a God who hears, who acts, and who never, ever fails. No, we aren’t at the end of this story yet, but I want to witness to what is already taking place. As Megan and Austin and their boys are anticipating the arrival of Carr boy #3 , we would love if you would continue to lift Megan and baby August in prayer. We can’t wait to tell him all about how many people prayed for him.

And if you’re in a season of waiting or wondering, don’t lose heart. God hears you. His silence is not absence. His delay is not denial. And when the answer comes, whether in a whisper or a roar, may we not be surprised, but rather stand in reverent awe of the One who always does more than we can ever ask or imagine.