A God Who Hears Me Before I Call!

What a joy to be free to write today! It has been two months since I have been able to do so and I pray that something will be shared within this devotional that encourages you and your friends. For those of you who have written comments of support or prayers as I studied for my surgical exam on January 30th, I say THANK YOU! I am looking forward to sharing my testimony of what great things God has done when the scores are released in early March. I praise and thank Him in advance!

I have received so much excellent feedback from you guys. I was told that the devotionals were a blessing, but way too long! With your comments in mind, I am changing the format to a more concise style of writing. I certainly welcome your thoughts and comments, and if the Lord lays a Word on your heart that you would like to share on Dr. Sha’s Daily Dose, please send it to my inbox or email me at Ms.SRJMD@gmail.com. I will be more than happy to offer individuals this online forum to share reflections on the Believer’s life as long as they are founded on Biblical truth. Proverbs 27:17 tells us “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (NLT) I am excited about growing stronger and better everyday. I too press toward the mark. Dear friends, let’s keep pressing forward to the Glory of God!

“Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear.” 


—Isaiah 65:24 



Have you ever had the experience of thinking to call up a friend or family member, only to have the phone ring with that person being on the other line? “I was just about to call you” is usually the first statement we utter. Sometimes, you may actually need a favor from that person and it is fortuitous when they call you first, since you are instantly more at ease to present your request to them. It’s just uncanny how these things often work out! While man has been mandated by God to “pray without ceasing” (1Thessalonians 5:17), it seems that prayer remains low on the list to our immediate reactions to life’s situations. It sometimes becomes more natural to seek solace, advice and communication with people as opposed to God. Even seasoned believers can be found guilty of calling Auntie, Sister, Brother, Co-worker and Friend before taking our needs to the Father in prayer. While there is certainly worth to acquiring wise and Godly counsel, it’s important that we understand that our true Source of strength and clarity in life’s most trying situations is found solidly in the Lord. Simply put, God is a great listener! Isaiah 65:24 is a simple, yet beautiful verse that reflects the nature of a patient and prayer answering God: “Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear.” With this passage in mind, I can close my eyes and almost imagine God leaning attentively in the direction of my heart. Like any good father, He searches my face for any sign of longing, hunger, anxiety or fear. The Creator and Sustainer of the universe is listening and waiting for me to make my requests known to Him (Philipians 4:6: “…let your requests be made known to God.”) While it certainly pleases God that we turn our thoughts, hearts and prayers to Him first, if we do succumb to human nature and turn to mere mortals, He in His grace is still faithful to answer even our yet unspoken prayers. What an amazing Father we have! He anticipates our needs before we ask and begins to lovingly orchestrate the answers that perfect His purpose and plan in our lives. We see in Luke 12:32 that it excites God to bring Kingdom blessing into our lives: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” God is not sitting on a bag of emotional, material, and spiritual gold in Heaven mandating that you beg Him for blessing. Our Lord promises meet all of our needs according to His riches in glory! Know that every aspect of your existence matters to God. Romans 8:28 reads: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Even when we are unsure of our true needs, have difficulty articulating them to the Father, or are simply too disheartened to earnestly pray; we can find comfort in knowing that Daddy God is there listening and answering your every call. God is ever near to us. He knows just what we need and is working it out for our good!

Dr.’s Orders: Take a moment to reflect on the God of Isaiah 65:24 in your mind. Recognize that He is already on the “other end of the line” before you even decided to call. If you feel that there is a huge space between you and God, start today to do whatever it takes to be closer to Him. Be determined to dedicate additional daily time spent in prayer and quiet reflection on the things of God. As you dare to believe the Word of God in that He is listening and answering your every prayer, you will begin to enjoy a miracle invoking attitude of faith that will empower your life in a mighty way!