Editor’s Reading Note: As you read, consider the many ways that our need to rely on prayer teach us about the purposes of the trials we experience in our lives, and the many ways that the trials we experience teach us of our need to rely on prayer. How does prayer strengthen familial relationships? What does the author’s testimony show us about the effects of prayer on our thoughts, actions, emotions, and faith?
In this economy I haven’t heard of many small businesses that are making it through. The radio and television fill me with news of hundreds of small and big companies that are going out of business. Seeing all of this has made me see how God has kept my family close to His side.
My father opened his own business 13 years ago after being laid off. See, my father only received a 2nd grade education and his business has always been a great blessing and a miracle. Even though it hasn’t become some great, large company it has kept a roof over our heads and put food on the table. There has never been a doubt that this company is still standing because of our Heavenly Father.
Ever since we’ve gone into recession my father’s company has suffered a lot. My father’s business thrives in the summer and can always manage to save a great amount of money for the winter. Unfortunately, this past summer the company failed to make a good profit and it left many of my family members worried. If winter had come without the money saved like normal, then my family would be in great financial troubles.
Hearing about this news was difficult. I couldn’t stand to imagine what my family would face. I wished I could be there with them to help them face this difficulty. Well, since we aren’t rich there was no way my husband and I could help them financially, but we knew we could pray for them. I couldn’t be with them through this hardship but I knew God could. I knew I couldn’t comfort them as well as God could. I know that God heard our prayers. His tender mercies and blessings are humbling and His Spirit truly does comfort.
When I visited my family for the holidays I was able to speak with my dad and he told me that he knew God had helped him provide. He testified that he knew that the door was opened for them was because He listened to our prayers.
I know my family wasn’t left alone. After my dad had told me this a great wave of gratitude and relief overwhelmed me. God hears our prayers, and I know that for a fact!
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Cassandra and her husband live in Utah where they’re both finishing school. They’ve been happily married for almost three years and will be welcoming their first child, a little girl, in June.
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The best thing about this account is that Cassie (as well as her family) recognizes the Lord’s blessings to the family. So often we miss what we have been given, passing things off as luck or as our own work. A grateful heart is a blessing in and of itself.