Have you ever rolled your eyes when someone says, “I’m praying for a good parking space”? I definitely have–but do so no longer. I experienced a breakthrough when I realized it was okay—even biblical—to pray about little things, shallow things, and everyday dilemmas. And, when I began to experience God working out the little things, it strengthened my ability to trust Him for the Big Things, things that often require years of waiting.

I’ll take it a step further. I believe God is not just okay with small prayers but that is pleased with them as well—pleased because we came to Him. After all, He is our Father, a loving, doting parent. Are you a parent of a teen or adult child?  If so, you know how warm you feel when your child asks for your input or help. How much more, our Holy Father?

How did I overcome my eye-rolling and learn this amazing truth? Several years ago, I purchased a pair of Diamonique earrings from QVC. You might be rolling your eyes just hearing that! But seriously, you know I’m not talking the Hope diamond here, but a fashionable, fun, moderately priced pair of studs instead. I was super-excited, as I’d been eyeing them for quite a while.

They arrived on a Friday, and that evening I had plans to attend a downtown arts festival. And of course, I’d be sporting those new earrings. It was a delightful evening, admiring the work of talented local artisans, picking up a few trinkets, and topping it off with a commemorative tee shirt. When I returned home, however, and happened to glance in the mirror, my heart sank. I was missing an earring! My first impulse was to go right back and look for it, but it was already dark, and the festival was about to close.

The next morning, I jumped out of bed with a mission…to find that earring! I’m not sure how I thought I was going to do that though. Outdoors? Crowds of people? What was my plan? I did something I’d never done before. I prayed. Oh, I had prayed before, of course–for people to be healed, for people to know the Lord, for help in really difficult situations, but never for anything like this. I don’t remember what I said, but I’m sure I “apologized” to God for bothering Him with this shallow prayer. Thankfully, I know now that was completely unnecessary.

1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you.” It doesn’t say “some of” your cares. It says “all.” It doesn’t specify “only those cares that are life and death or have eternal implications.” All means all. That’s what I learned that day.

I headed back to the festival. When I looked around at the crowds, the food stands, the booths, the general hubbub, I was overwhelmed. Where do I start?

The first thing that came to mind was that I had tried on the tee shirt I purchased. I could have knocked the earring out when I pulled the tee shirt over my head. I was sure this was my best shot, so I sped to the makeshift dressing rooms and scoured them all. Nothing. No sign of my earring whatsoever. At that point, I was clueless and dismayed. Reluctantly, I gave up, but I continued looking as I slowly headed to my car.

The sun was shining, so I thought maybe my eyes were playing tricks on me, but I saw something sparkle in the grass between stones on the walkway. Convinced it was an optical illusion, I nevertheless bent down to examine it. It was indeed my earring!  Not only did I find it, but it had been safely embedded between stones where it was kept safe from trampling feet.

God used a lost earring to give me an unforgettable spiritual lesson and to demonstrate His care. To this day, I’m fervent about praying over anything and everything. And I’m passionate about sharing this truth with others, especially when I hear comments like, “I think God has more important things on His mind that my son’s swim meet.” Yes, Friend, I’m sure He does, but He’s GOD. He is supernatural. He is not bound by the constraints that we are. He is the ultimate multi-tasker. I believe He can heal an accident victim, find an earring, and grant your son favor at his swim meet–all at the same time.

My faith blossomed that day. God, the Ultimate Teacher, gave me an unforgettable illustration. As a steppingstone held my lost earring, so the experience itself became a steppingstone in my faith journey.

It’s your turn now. What do you think is too trivial to ask the Lord? Ask Him. He’s listening…

Further Reflection:

“…They went to the Jordan and began to cut down trees. As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axehead fell into the water. ‘Oh no, my lord!’ he cried out. ‘It was borrowed!’ The man of God asked, ‘Where did it fall?’ When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float. ‘Lift it out,’ he said. Then the man reached out his hand and took it” (2 Kings 6:1-7).

“In this beautiful story, we see that God even cares about a lost axehead! The man had borrowed the ax, so you can imagine him being upset when he lost the axehead. But God took care of him. Through Elisha, God miraculously returned the axehead to the man.

Next time you misplace a hammer, ask your loving heavenly Father for His help. Next time, you have any care (no matter how small it may seem), pray to God. He loves to help you — His beloved child.”

–from Faithgracejesus.com