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My husband works for himself doing renovations. He loves his work as it gives him great pleasure to see the happy faces of the people whose homes he works in. He also has an amazing ability to speak Jesus into their lives. Sometimes, it is not well received, but sometimes, people listen quietly. Both responses are okay as he is doing what we are all called to do.

Acts 22:15 – You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. (NIV)

His latest job brought opportunity to witness again, but in a way that he had never imagined. As he arrived to work on this particular day, he was met at the door by the homeowner, who was very distraught. She told him that she had looked everywhere but could not find one of her cats. A few minutes later, my husband's helper came in and said that there was a cat lying in the ditch out front. The homeowner went out and said that it was her cat. She wrapped the cat in a blanket and brought it into the home. She wandered the home grieving the loss of her cat. The cat was dead, and yet, it didn't have a mark on it. At some point, she buried the cat and went on with her day as best she could. About three or four hours later, she went to get the workers some drinks. Also, about this time, my husband said this simple prayer: "God, couldn't You do something?"

As the homeowner returned with the drinks, she was met by her cat sitting on the stairs. As anyone who has a pet knows, pet owners know their own pets very well. There was and is no doubt that the cat that was found in the ditch was her cat, and an even bigger no doubt that the cat that was now sitting on the stairs was her cat. God performed a miracle and a witness to this homeowner as to Who He is. As the days went on, she tried to rationalize and figure it out, but there is no other explanation except God.

Psalm 66:19 – But God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. (NIV)

It would be easy to read this and think, That couldn't happen to me. But that's not what the Bible says:

John 14:12 – I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. (NIV)

This Scripture is a message for each and every one of us; it does not speak of a select few. We need to be in a relationship of prayer and communion with the Father so that He can do great things through us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that You hear all our prayers, whether long or short, and grant them according to Your will. Thank You that You choose the times to make Yourself be known to the lost. O Lord, how awesome are Your ways! Your love and grace are bountiful and far-reaching. We continue to pray and lay our requests at the foot of the cross, and we make ourselves available to do Your work. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Julie Bowles