Now that the weather is playing nice around here, the ryegrass we planted back in October is finally ready for the cows to eat. It’s been ages since these ladies have had a decent buffet of tall, luscious grass to feast on. An electric fence has sectioned off each dining spot to protect from premature eating and stomping, but last week was the grand opening. I was so excited for them.

Michael and I walked out to the rich, green middle field. The cows and calves were already gathered near the first section as if they knew something big was about to happen. Michael lifted the red velvet rope (It was actually yellow and electric, but you get the idea), and the cows rushed on in…to another field.

It was absolute bovine bedlam.

We gave them a couple of days, thinking they would surely figure out that the section was open for them. Nope! Four days later, it was still as pristine as ever. Michael finally got onto the four-wheeler and poured out a trail of range cubes (their favorite snack) like breadcrumbs leading into the field. It worked! The ladies and their babies were soon scattered about with a mouthful of fresh greens.

Over the last few months, they may have tried to step into the field with hope, only to be unexpectedly met with an electric shock. Instead of finding relief, they encountered pain. This repeated experience led to a learned response, making them reluctant to approach, even when the time was finally right for them.

They didn’t understand that the grass needed time to grow, to be prepared for sustainable grazing. Allowing them in too soon would not leave them with enough to last throughout the winter. The waiting, although challenging, was actually the prelude to the continual harvest.

Can you relate to this in your prayer life?

We often find ourselves drawing near to God in prayer, lifting up our requests with hope, only for them to seemingly go “unanswered”. It can be disheartening when this pattern repeats over and over, leading us to question the purpose of our prayer and for some of us to turn away from it all together.

I truly believe that each prayer is answered, whether it be a “yes”, “no”, or “wait”. The waiting period is the prelude, the foundation, for an outcome more magnificent than we could have imagined because God knows and wants the best for us. He meticulously orchestrates every aspect of this universe for the greater good, and you are an integral part of it.

So keep on praying. Pray boldly and confidently. Continue to draw near. Don’t be like the cows who gave up and turned away. You may end up overlooking the red, velvet rope being lifted, giving you access to the feast God prepared for you. A feast more bountiful than you would’ve ever thought to pray for.

Songs for times such as these:

• “While We Wait” by Amanda Cook
• “Build a Boat” by Colton Dixon
• “Come What May” by We Are Messengers

Scriptures for times such as these:

• Hebrews 4: 16
• 2 Corinthians 3: 4-5
• James 4: 17-18