Twelve years ago, I endured a painful trial that turned into one of the highlights of my life. There is a valuable lesson we need to embrace: When life brings discouragements, keep praying!

Having recently married, I was suddenly laid off. Devastated, I quickly found an opening. Yet it paid far less than my previous job. Then driving home from the interview, my car's electrical system went haywire. "Why now?!" went racing through my mind. The engine died, and I coasted off the pavement and stopped. This was the final straw: I slumped on the steering wheel and prayed in desperation, "God, I need help, and I need it now!"

Just then, I noticed a white car pulling around mine. Rolling down his window, the driver asked, "Do you need help?" Having just uttered these exact words, I exclaimed, "Are you an angel?" This truly was one of the most dramatic answers to prayer I have ever received, and surely the fastest! God answers, if we keep praying.

When life comes fast and furious, stress seems overwhelming! Bad things do happen to God's people. And while we should be wise and avoid trials, time and chance happen to all, as Solomon wrote (Ecclesiastes 9:11). Frankly, troubles are a natural part of life for mankind (Job 5:7), as well as for Christians (John 16:33). It is all too easy to lose faith and give in to discouragement, as I had done.

And yet, we have this promise in Hebrews 13:5, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you!" Jesus also promised us, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Mathew 28:20). And when life feels like that final heavy straw that forces our heads down in despair, God promises to help us bear our trials by providing us a "way of escape" (1 Corinthians 10:13). Have we prayed for that way of escape for others, as well as for ourselves?

Since 1993, I have passed that exit hundreds of times driving to church. And I always smile... for I remember that July day when God answered my prayer so dramatically. I know God has not changed. He is the same today, yesterday and forever! (Hebrews 13:8). He reigns on His throne. He waits to hear from you and me... and He will answer!

Please be encouraged... and keep praying!