Prayer Works

By Carrington Schuyler Brooks

“Everything happens for a reason, God knows best” is something my mother continuously tells me. Before middle school this phrase went in one ear and out the other. As I’ve grown closer to God, I realized I didn’t really understand the spiritual aspect of this phrase. 

In life, there are some situations that occur in which we feel that God doesn’t hear us and hasn’t answered our prayer.

Our desired prayer, which we think is the best decision for us, is not granted. One example would be when I did not get accepted into the middle school I prayed for. 
After Elementary school, I thought that I had my whole middle school life figured out. I applied to a private school and automatically thought that I would be accepted because my mom and I prayed and knew God wanted what was best for me. I had God on my side! As the story goes I did NOT get into my middle school of choice. I was, to say the least, devastated. Felt unworthy. Less than. Unloved by God because He didn’t answer my prayer. 

So I entered Glenfield Middle School in September 2014 and God’s plan begin to reveal itself. After trials and triumphs throughout the years at Glenfield, I graduated several accolades including Student Council President, National Honor Society member and Student of the Year which was presented by Mr. Gill, a true Glenfield legacy. “Great is Thy Faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

After graduation, I knew that God had intentionally and lovingly placed me a Glenfield. He knew what was best for me! Throughout this experience I realize that just because we don’t get the answer that we want, doesn’t mean it’s not an answered prayer! (Psalm 118:21) 
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I now know that everything happens for reason  (Ecclesiastes 3:1) and with God’s perfect purpose and plan for your life and his eyes. The experiences that I have had throughout middle school has transformed me and drawn me closer to God. I want to carry out his plan for my life (Jeremiah 29:11) now I am ready to take on high school like the superstar God made me to be, and all of us, to be! I know to trust and believe in where ever he leads me (Hebrews 11:1)  and that PRAYER WORKS! Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with Thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.