Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant.
Jonah 4:6 NIV
We often doubt God’s awareness of our struggles, mistaking silence for cluelessness. We fixate on unanswered prayers and miss the amazing things He’s already doing. When things don’t go our way, we question His goodness, forgetting His bigger plan. We question “Why me?” and miss the doors He opens subtly.
Take Jonah, for example. After reluctantly preaching to Nineveh, he sat brooding, expecting their destruction. While waiting for the city’s destruction (which he desired), the sun scorched him, causing discomfort. Blinded by bitterness, Jonah ignored God’s mercy and most likely didn’t even want to talk to God.
Nevertheless, aware of Jonah’s need, God didn’t wait for a prayer. The all-knowing, all-loving Father sent a leafy plant for shade, easing Jonah’s discomfort. Even in Jonah’s resistance, God’s love prevailed. He cares for us even when we don’t ask. He is compassionate still even when we don’t deserve it.
So, are you in a situation where you doubt God’s awareness? Maybe you haven’t prayed, lost courage, or feel unheard. Remember, He knows your struggles and needs, your challenges, and the required breakthroughs.
Here are two key truths to hold onto:
- God is aware. No matter the difficulty, He sees your struggles.
- Look for His wonders. While facing challenges, don’t just complain. Look for unexpected blessings, things you haven’t even prayed for. God is constantly working, even when we don’t see it.
- God’s ability to do more than we can ask shouldn’t lead to silence; it should foster gratitude and trust. He never abandons us.
Therefore, approach Him with boldness and confidence. He hears you, and as promised in Matthew 7:7 (AMP), “ Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.“
So, come before your Creator today. Thank Him for the countless blessings, even the ones you didn’t ask for. Share your needs, trust Him, and witness His wonders unfold.
Remember: God is always working tirelessly, with or without your prayers. His love is a constant shade, a comfort in your ‘sun-scorching’ days. Trust His unseen hand and seek His presence. He is always there, waiting for you.
