When God takes us by Surprise.

Why is it, that when we ask the Lord for something, we are surprised when He blesses us with what we asked for (and sometimes beyond)?

For the last year, I have been bringing my petition before the Lord, to move, from our current apartment. Its about ready to fall over. The Lady upstairs bathroom floor is caving in. She would land in our bedroom if the floor gives way. I'm not sure who would be more horrified by the falling throne, Her, or us. I can see the headlines now. Woman crushed by falling toilet. Makes for a great headline, and maybe even a great epitaph on the tombstone....but not something I really want to try. The mice and the spiders, are now co-mingling, and they seem to be on a rise up against us. The mold is taking over my basement...and my kitchen sink broke. I have to tell you here, I am a bit of a neat freak. When we lived in a hotel room for a while, I would clean it, before the maids came. So, I am about ready to have a nervous break down here. Still I count my blessings for lights, a roof, and running water (Hey the potty in my bathroom seems stable).

We tried for a home loan but were denied. I was beginning to get down trodden and worry (you know, two things God says NOT to be). My Lily's asthma is getting worse here. The Lady above us in our apartment house, smokes more then our old car did. It filters down to us. I was tempted to put some "help" information in her mail box, but instead...I kept praying...and praying. I heard the Lord, say, "DO you STILL trust me?????" I said, "Yes, Lord, I don't understand, but I trust you".

Yesterday, I was thinking, of the choices we made, that landed us here. I have made some huge bad choices in the last six years. I was thinking, Lord, what are you still trying to teach me??? I know I brought some of this on myself....but PLEASE FATHER, PLEASE restore what the locust have eaten! If not, Lord, SHOW ME, what you want me to do!

Just then, the phone rang. It was a friend from our church. She was supposed to be out of state then but her flights were delayed for the storms we had. She said, I don't know WHY it's taken me so long to understand what God wants me to do, but I do now. The house is going to sit empty in July, would you John and Lily like to move in, when your cousin and wife leave at the end of July? All I want is the utilities paid, and the lawn done...never been smoked in, pretty little two bedroom. We can live there while she lives out of state (about two years I think) Of course I said, yes, and was overjoyed, and what the Lord has given us.

My cup is running over, over flowing. In the two years we live there, we will save so much money towards a home of our own. My little girl prays for a scooter and a puppy everyday. I know the same God, who heard my cry, and restored what I thought was lost, will one day answer her prayer too.

Sometimes the Lord, says, No....Sometimes He says, yes,...Sometimes, He says, Wait. And sometimes, in the silence, when we begin to wonder, if He is even Near, He is saying, "DO YOU TRUST ME, MY CHILD????....and then when He knows we do, He will pour out his blessings upon us. Shaken down and overflowing. Oh, the love of the Father for His children.