4 Words that Define Answered Prayer

Read Exodus 2.

If one wonders if the God of heaven is truly interested in the details of our lives, has a plan for individual lives, and intervenes to fulfill that plan, one only need to read this chapter.  Ennumerating the signs of God's Hand is a rewarding exercise.  Notice that the environment in which we live, the courageous convictions of those around us, the people that we just happen to meet, and how God meets our needs are all on display.

When Moses grew up, it seems as though he knew God had put him in such a powerful position to help his people.  But the abuse of power and privilege is never the will of God.  Like Joseph, God did not change His mind, nor His plans, concerning Moses' future.  But He was going to change Moses' character.

Now, forty years old, a murderer, rejected by the people he wanted to lead, and hunted by those who adopted and raised him in luxury, he sat alone in the desert by a well.  He must have thought that life as he knew it, perhaps life itself, was over.  His impetuous, pride-filled decision cost him everything.  The suffering was self-inflicted.  But God....

God sent Jethro's daughter to begin the unfolding of the next phase of his life.

As God prepared Moses in the desert, He has not forgotten about the needs of those enslaved in Egypt.  The people cried out to God for help.  Verse 24 provides a four-part reassurance of God's personal attention and involvement in human lives:
1. God heard-God wants to hear from us.  Jeremiah 33:3 "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."

2. God remembered-God did not forget, but the basis for His answer to their prayer is the recalled promise that God made.  The Word of God is the basis of answered prayer.  Jesus stated in John 15:7 "If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." 

3. God saw.  God is looking for righteous people to help.  2 Chronicles 16:9 "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him."

4. God knew.  Jesus said in Matthew 6:31-32 "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat? ' or 'What shall we wear?'  For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you."