God is Faithful. Surprised?

Are you surprised when God keeps His Word?

I remember the first really big thing that God told me to do. I knew I needed to depend on Him to provide for it, but I don’t think I really expected Him to provide in the way that He did and to the extent that He did. I must admit I was somewhat surprised.

How much do you expect God to provide? Does He surprise you?

Have you ever had a friend change an appointment because they got a better offer? Sometimes those changes are not critical. They are disappointing, but they really don’t matter in the long run. It becomes a whole different ballgame when they offer to help you move, and they have the truck. When you have a house full of folks waiting on them to show up, a last minute change of plans could be a real challenge. That let down may leave you not wanting to trust them again.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

One time in particular when God asked me to do something challenging and difficult, I made an excuse. I actually knew where to get the answer, but I took my time moving on it. A few weeks later, I received a phone call from the person with the answer. It was like receiving a message from God. My excuse was no longer valid. Then I asked God for help, and He provided exactly what I was expecting. Finally, I asked for the whole solution, and He gave me just that. He provided the whole thing.

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Matthew 21:22

Does that surprise you? It made me wish I had asked sooner! Since He provided all the answers, it was neither all that challenging nor all that difficult. Since His timing is always perfect, I can only assume He knew how long it would take me to ask at each step.

We try to keep our word to our friends. Our friends try to keep their word. Neither our friends nor us always come through like we planned. Sometimes illness or other circumstances make it impossible. Where our friends are concerned, there is always that question mark.

When the Holy Spirit reveals to you what God has planned, remember God is forever faithful. You can count on Him to provide for His plan for your life and for His work. There really is no question mark. It’s a done deal.

LIFE APPLICATION

Today’s challenge is to trust God when He makes you a promise. If you have trouble trusting God to keep His Word, maybe it is because people have let you down. God is omnipotent or all-powerful. When He makes you a promise – unlike your friends, He has the power to keep it!

What promise has God made to you? What has He asked you to do? Are you waiting on Him to provide? Maybe He’s waiting on you to ask Him for what you need. Ask in faith.