When God Says "Yes"

Why are people surprised when God answers prayer? And why are Christians surprised when He answers in a way that is truly miraculous?

We have been in crisis mode for over a year now. We've been praying for relief in one form or another for over a year now. Nothing was happening. Nothing bad, but nothing good either. It seems like everything was simply stuck in idle. Very frustrating, at least to me.

Within the last two weeks, yes two weeks, events happened one after the other that led to the relief we've been seeking for months. Timing has been absolutely perfect. Perfect. Why?

Because God has been in control all along. He knew what was coming up and when and timed the relief to arrive at precisely the right moment.

And yet, somehow, we're surprised. Oh, look! Isn't that amazing? It happened so perfectly, it's a miracle!

Miracle? Or just God being God? He's taken care of us throughout the uncertainty. He's been providing answers and provisions on time, every time since the dawn of time, so why would that change now? He certainly hasn't changed over the millennia, why should I be afraid that He's going to change and fail me?

As Christians, we often get so caught up in the circumstances that we really forget that God is in control. We want the answer NOW, when now may not be the right time for that answer. And so often we aren't even asking the right question.

Prayer should be simple. "Father, do Your will and I will follow." We can tell Him what we want; I've often told Him what my preferred solution is. But ultimately, we need to simply ask for His will to be done. He does know best, and He proves it regularly to me.

I don't want bad things to happen to the people I love. So I pray for healing and protection. I don't want to be in crisis, so I pray for relief. But God's plan is bigger than anything I can possible imagine and His goals are so far beyond me that I simply can't see past the end of my nose. I need to learn to simply pray and to pray simply; "Father, do Your will and I will follow." It's a hard lesson and I don't get it and I haven't gotten it yet. But I'm trying. Very.

Thank you Father for the perfect answer at the perfect time.