God is in the Details

Have you ever found yourself receiving only part of what you prayed for; just the tip of the iceberg, never the full picture?

It doesn't mean that God is not listening. It could be that we're not asking with enough intention.

As humans, we love to plan. Our thoughts are filled with designs of our own making. We tell ourselves;

By the time I’m 25, I’ll have my house, my car, and be married.

We build timelines in our minds and structure our lives around our expectations. But Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 19:21

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

We often approach God with vague, open-ended requests:

Lord, bless me.

Lord, give me money.

Lord, I need peace of mind.

But here’s the question:

What kind of blessing are you asking for?

How much money do you need and by when?

Do you want peace of mind in your home, in your studies, in your job?

Specificity is a virtue in prayer. When we ask with clarity, it reflects that we have faith, vision, and a plan. God desires sincere and intentional communication with His children. He is not confused by details; rather, He is honored when we trust Him enough to be exact.

I was once in public transport when a woman beside me said, “God knows that if I have money, I’ll do a lot. If I wear red, I’ll carry a red bag, wear red shoes, and drive my red car.”

At that moment, I smiled and thought, God is truly great. Not because she was being selfish, or because God didn’t want to bless her; but because she hadn’t taken the dream seriously enough to present it intentionally before God. Sometimes, people think their dreams are “too big,” and that lack of confidence seeps into their prayers.

A Biblical example can be found in Judges 16:28, as Samson prayed:

“O Lord God, remember me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O God, that I may with one blow take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes!”

God answered him and the Bible says the number of people he killed in that moment exceeded those he had slain in his entire life.

But what if Samson had asked for more? What if he had asked for restoration, not just revenge? Could God have returned his sight? Could he have lived longer and fulfilled an even greater purpose?

Yes! because God can do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). But we must ask.

At the end of a school session, a result was released for a 3-unit course. I had scored 69 just one mark short of an A. I was devastated.

I prayed, fasted, and cried out to God: “Lord, I need just 1 mark. Just 1.”

The next day; no change.

The day after; still 69.

Eventually, I gave up.

Two weeks later, I felt a gentle prompt in my spirit:Check your portal.

I was hesitant; I had already moved on. But I checked.

And there it was! 70! An A! On the dot!

God answered. Not by chance, but with intention. I was specific in prayer, and though the response wasn’t immediate, it came, right on time.

In conclusion, God hears every cry, sees every heart, and responds with divine wisdom. But He also honors intentional prayers; requests made with faith, clarity, and purpose.

As it is written in Proverbs 3:5:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

So from today forward, I urge you;

Be intentional in your prayers.

Ask specifically. Ask boldly. Ask with faith.

God is listening!