By Ricky Smith

I knew and trusted that God had told me to attend a private Christian college in Tennessee.  Needless to say, tuition was very expensive, and my family didn’t have an abundance of money. The summer before my sophomore year, I was working at a summer camp, and the deadline for having all of my financial promissory commitments was fast approaching. The bottom line was that I couldn’t return if I didn’t have all the money accounted for. 

The pastor at the summer camp was teaching about the power of prayer and the confidence that God could move mountains.  The challenge was to specifically ask God and pray with thanksgiving and expectation that He would answer according to His will.  I was just naive enough to try it out.  That week I began to pray that if God willed me to go back to Bryan College, He would need to provide the finance, and I began to thank Him in advance for answering my prayer.

The end of camp had come, and during the celebration service, someone walked up and handed me an envelope. I should mention that I had not told anyone my prayer. When I opened the envelope, and it revealed a check that would cover my tuition, I immediately broke down and wept. 

At that moment, I learned a lesson. If we ask anything according to His will, He hears and will answer.  That tuition payment was an impossible mountain in my life. God made a way! I am grateful for that moment which has led to my desire to trust Him in other moments.  We can take God at His Word!

May we strive to walk in intimacy with Him and abide in Him. As we do, His desires shape our desires and our faith in Him to work out His will becomes more second nature.  We shouldn’t be surprised when God orchestrates people and circumstances to fulfill His plan.  I am humbled that He invites us to be a part of it! Enjoy the ride!