He Heard You The First Time

Today, my 2.5-year-old asked me for fries when I picked her up from daycare. I told her yes because I’m definitely that mama who has McDonald’s money (and truthfully, I wanted some too)

But when she asked, we were stuck in rush hour traffic, and the closest fast food spot was still a few miles away. So it was gonna take a minute.

Even though I’d already said yes, she kept asking over and over again, like I had told her no. And honestly, she does this all the time. She’ll keep asking until whatever she wants is physically in her little hands.

After the fourth time, I finally said,

“P, I already told you yes. I just can’t give it to you yet because we’re still on the journey to get there.”

That quieted her down for a moment.

And that’s when it hit me…

My daughter is just like me.

Earlier that same day, I sat in a restaurant with my friend, tears rolling down my face. I was overwhelmed, frustrated with how slow my job search has been. I’ve been praying, applying, submitting resumes, and still, no real leads. It’s discouraging. Not because I don’t believe God can do it, but because… I want the fries in my hand right now.

I had been asking God over and over again for a job like He hadn’t already said yes. Like He wasn’t already aware of my needs before I even opened my mouth.

That moment in the car reminded me: just because I don’t have it yet doesn’t mean God said no. Sometimes, the answer is yes, but I’ve got to keep moving through the traffic, through the waiting, through the journey to get there.

Maybe God is still clearing the road, still moving some things (and people) out of the way, so I can arrive at the place He really wants me to be.

Matthew 6:7-8 (KJV) says:

“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”

But I love the way the New Living Translation breaks it down:

“When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!”

To me, this says: God heard you the first time. But more importantly, He already knew what you needed before you even said a word.

So if you’re in a season where it feels like God isn’t listening, 

Be here. Be still. Be present.

Embrace the moments, the lessons, the growth, and the journey. Trust Him and wait expectantly for your fries. 

Because when you finally get them, they’ll be hot, fresh, and more than worth the wait.