The Piano Player
by melissa bradshaw
I recently came across a story I’d like to share with you.* It’s about answered prayer and a beautiful reminder that God often answers in ways that might seem impossible to us.
Back in 1929 the world went through a very difficult time, and many people lost a lot of money. That era became known as the Great Depression, and millions of families struggled to make ends meet. The Great Depression lasted for more than 10 years, from 1929 until the early 1940s, around the start of World War II. During those years jobs were very hard to find, many businesses closed, and money was scarce.
During this challenging time, Mr. Miller found himself without steady work for two long years. When he finally found a job, it was far away from his family, and it was only part-time. The Miller family had just enough money to survive. There was no extra money for special things.
Even though times were hard, the Miller sisters, Doris and Betty, shared something they loved very much—music. Doris had just begun taking piano lessons before her father lost his job. Betty, who had started earlier, could already play several songs. Both girls knew that daily practice was very important if they wanted to improve. But there was one big problem—they did not have a piano at home.
“I wish we had a rich father,” Doris said one afternoon. “My friend Viola does, and she can have anything she wants.”
Their mother overheard her and gently smiled. She understood her daughters’ disappointment, but she wanted them to remember something even more important.
“We do have a rich Father,” Mother said softly. “Our Father in heaven owns everything. If we pray and trust Him, and if having a piano is truly what’s best for us, He will provide.”
The girls knew their mother was right. They had seen God answer prayers before. So the three of them knelt together and prayed. They asked God that if it was His will, He would provide a piano so the girls could continue practicing the music they loved.
Just a few days later something unexpected happened.
Marie, a friend of Mother’s, stopped by for a visit. After they had talked for a while, Marie glanced around the small living room.
“Do you need a piano?” she asked kindly. “I’m moving into a smaller apartment, and my old piano is too big to take with me.”
The girls could hardly believe what they were hearing! They looked at one another with wide, excited eyes. Could this be the answer to their prayer?
Mother smiled. “Yes, Marie,” she said. “We would love to have a piano. The girls have been wishing they could keep up their practice.”
And just like that, Marie left her piano with the Miller family. The girls watched excitedly as it was placed against a wall in their living room. Soon beautiful music once again filled their home.
For seven years the Miller girls used Marie’s piano. By that time their father had steady work again, and the family was able to buy a piano of their own.
Doris and Betty never forgot how their prayer had been answered—not in a flashy way, but through the thoughtful kindness of a friend—at just the right time.
Our Father in heaven cares about our needs, and lovingly provides what is best for us. Romans 10:12 tells us that He is rich toward all who call on Him. Take time today—and every day—to connect with your heavenly Father in prayer.
*Mabel Earp Cason, Today’s Worship Story: A Junior Devotional (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1962), p. 123.
This article is provided by My Place with Jesus, a ministry of It is Written, a Christian media ministry based in Chattanooga, Tennessee that has been proclaiming the message of God’s love since 1956. Check out more fun and games on the My Place with Jesus website!