| Does God Care About the Details? - article by Joel Hempel
The other day, Marcia and I were not getting along. Like many of our disagreements, it started with me being insensitive – I know, it’s hard to believe. Although I apologized, tension remained in the air. I suggested we go to the Botanical Garden for a walk. She agreed. As all of you who live in St. Louis know, the Garden is a beautiful and inviting gift to the city. And because it was a Saturday and 78 sunny degrees with a cool breeze, it seemed like everyone had the same idea. Turning off of the Highway, I saw it. The overflow lot was packed, and the street leading to the Garden, a half mile away, was lined with cars. Now, I rarely pray for a parking space, but I knew how important this walk was for us. Making a left onto Shaw Avenue, the prayer barely left my lips when a family started getting into their car. I stopped, not even thinking God would answer a prayer that fast. But the family was taking a long time, and the cars behind us lined up. Let’s go! I said. I don’t want to hold up traffic. Driving further down the street, to the surprise of this Doubting Thomas, the second space from the entrance to the Garden was open. Thank you, Jesus! Is that kind of attentiveness from God even possible? After all, at that very moment, God was hearing from millions of people around the world in need of intervention for various life crises. But then, this is the Almighty, the Omnipresent God we’re talking about, the Creator of all that is yet to be discovered. Does God care about our personal details? Consider this: Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (Matt 10:29-31 NIV). Yes, God cares! We know that for those who love God, ALL THINGS work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28, emphasis added). You and I and all who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior enjoy the grace-filled privilege of being God’s adopted children. (1 John 3:1-2; John 1:12 and Romans 8:15). Our Father absolutely cares! Should we expect God to give us all green lights through life? Of course not, because not every detail in every moment is equal in God’s design. But neither should we be surprised when God prepares and plans for our well-being when it is in sync with his will. Indeed, thank you, Jesus! | 
