When we are in a difficult place, and we are seeking the Lord, sometimes it helps to ask Him to answer our prayer in the form of something tangible. Remember the story of good King Hezekiah and the illness that threatened his life? God had Isaiah the prophet tell His servant the king that he should get his house in order, because he was about to die. Instead of resigning himself to his fate, Hezekiah turned to the Lord in prayer, asking for His help. As a result, God provided an ointment of figs which ministered healing and restoration to the king. (2 Kings 20:1-7)

The Lord could have easily healed Hezekiah without an ointment, or any other remedy. But instead, He provided and anointed an ointment of figs to bring about His servant's recovery. I have discovered that when I need healing myself, or I have a problem with no apparent solution, I can ask the Lord for an anointed "fig ointment" of my very own, and He will often provide one for me. Receiving something tangible from the Lord when I am confused and hurting can encourage my heart and my faith.

After Hezekiah's recovery, he didn't go around telling people that he was healed by a fig ointment - He gave God the credit and the glory. But that ointment bolstered his faith in a way that helped him to see the Lord's love and concern for him.

Perhaps today, you are in a painful place, and you need a touch from God. I encourage you to turn to Him today and say, "Lord, please give me an anointed 'fig ointment' of my own..."

Prayer: Lord, when I am facing troubles of any kind, remind me of this spiritual principle, and cause Your Holy Spirit to prompt me to pray for something tangible according to Your will. Thank You that when You intervene on my behalf, You and You alone will get all the praise, the honor, and the glory in Jesus' name!