The trial may seem small, a plague of insects invading your home, but the Lord counts the very hairs of your head and marks the sparrow’s fall. Do not think this trouble beneath His notice, nor imagine that your prayers concerning it are too trivial. Such petty vexations are often sent to drive us to our knees, and woe unto us if we refuse the schooling.
Continue much in prayer regarding this matter, and do not grow weary because the answer tarries. When the blessing does not come at once, let your suit become more fervent, more importunate. Follow up your petition by a practical effort: if there be a gap at the threshold, stop it; if a cranny in the wall, fill it; and as you do so, keep knocking at heaven’s door. “Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Prayer without watchfulness and diligence is little more than presumption.
Search your heart, lest some sin be the hidden bar to a quick reply. Has a murmuring spirit taken root? Have you neglected the assembling of yourselves with others for social prayer? It may be that the Lord permits this nuisance to chasten some coldness of devotion or to rouse you from spiritual slumber. When our prayers languish, small annoyances become unwelcome reminders of our need for Him.
Lay hold of a promise when you pray, and spread your case before the Lord with all the arguments you can muster. Tell Him that He made every creeping thing, and they are all His servants; that He who calmed the sea can command the tiniest creature; that He is the God of order and not of confusion; and that your habitation, being dedicated to His service, ought not to be a breeding place of vermin. Plead the blood of the covenant and the tender mercies that are over all His works.
Yet remember, the answer may not come in the manner you expect. Jacob prayed for deliverance from Esau, and the Lord answered, but by sending a night of wrestling, a crippling hip, and a new name. Your persistent petition may first reveal a deeper need for quickening in your own soul before the outward trial ceases. Do not despair if the insects remain a while longer; God may be using them to drive you nearer to Himself, and that is a greater mercy than their immediate removal.
Bring this matter, if you will, to the assembled saints. When the Church unites with one accord in prayer and supplication, mighty things are wrought. Even the smallest request, when laid before the throne by many hearts, acquires a weight that moves the arm of Omnipotence. But whether alone or in company, let your prayer be that of a sinner who deserves nothing, yet clings to the Friend of publicans and outcasts, saying, “Lord, I am not worthy, but speak the word only, and Thy servant shall be healed.” Then watch, wait, and work, and in due season the trial shall lift, for prayer, mighty prayer, will yet prevail if it has but time.