As a result of war many natives in the far East faced starvation because they could not get supplies of rice.
There was one Christian family who were in worse circumstances than many because they had a little daughter who specially needed oatmeal for cereal. This became harder and harder to get, and their precious little girl was wasting away. Her parents prayed to God about this special need, but they had no idea how such a prayer could be answered.
In the meantime an aircraft carrier arrived with supplies of food and medicine sent from kind people in many parts of the world. When the carrier anchored off the town, several sacks of oatmeal were brought up and put into the boats that were taking the food ashore. Some of the sailors remarked, “What’s the use of giving oatmeal to these people: all they want is rice!” But “orders are orders,” and the sacks of oatmeal were duly taken ashore.
The Christian father was on the dock where the goods were landed, and as everyone else made a rush for the rice, he asked what was in the unwanted sacks. He could hardly believe his ears when he heard that they contained oatmeal. For a small sum he was able to take home enough to last his little girl a long time. What grateful thanks they gave to God for such an answer to their prayers.
We do not have to know beforehand how God will answer our prayers. Our part is simply to tell Him our needs and trust His loving care. He loves us and hears His children’s prayers, so we can leave the answers to Him.
ML-02/19/1978