Surprised by God

Has an answered prayer ever surprised you?

I was having one of those "if one more thing happens" weeks recently. You know what I mean. You think you'll snap in half if one more thing goes wrong. So much has happened lately that I can laugh or cry at the drop of a hat in order to cope with whatever expense the newest event will bring. I feel sorry for my friends that get texts from me when "crisis" hits. Typically, I overreact and crash and burn for a minute before moving on. It's during the crash time I reach out to not feel so alone. 

I was scheduled to spend a week house-sitting for some friends beginning on a Monday. I was excited to get there but knew I had an appointment that took me 20 minutes in the opposite direction before I could head out there and settle in. I've tried to limit my driving due to the extra costs but this was one of those days when I didn't mind and gave myself permission to keep the appointment...it was for a massage. Before you criticize my spending habits, my chiropractor sent me for massage therapy to prevent repeat episodes of vertigo.

Sunday, this lovely message thought it would light up my life.
I denied it existed. Then I worried it was going to be another $1,000 of debt. The next thing I knew, I had mentally canceled all future plans and given up the idea of having a vehicle. That's not an easy jump for someone who would happily drive 1,000 miles a week, but I went there without a second thought.

I was done. This was my breaking point. I had kept up the appearance that all was well when it wasn't, for one day too long and I lost it. I yelled at my car. I yelled at God. I berated myself for making stupid choices along life's journey that brought me to this moment. Then I stopped and took this picture because I felt like it would end up being a blog at some point, and at least maybe I could get some "there, there" comments from a friend or two when I texted it.

I made it to the house and spent a fair amount of time the first couple of days worrying about the car. Of course, I looked it up online which is never a good idea. I was already dealing with the 4th, or maybe it was the 187th, oil leak and I didn't know what to do next. At least I didn't think I knew what to do.

"Oh wait, I know. I should pray about it."

When it came time to make a run for food a few days later, the light was still there. It didn't blink, it was glaring bright yellow at me, and I felt like it was mocking me. As it turns out, blinking is worse. The mechanic wasn't available for two weeks and I was possibly going to be helping out a couple different friends and needed to travel before then.

In a last-ditch effort, I prayed something like, "God, I know this is a small thing compared to what is going on with other people, but it's a huge thing to me right now. I can't keep going like this, I'm losing hope. I'm trying to do the right thing, and be a good steward with my funds, but life is burying me in debt like I've never known. Please God, I know I usually praise you in my prayers first, but I don't have the strength and I'm begging you...please make this stop."

My dash went dark in less than a minute. I pulled over to stare at it in disbelief, waiting for it to glow again.

Why was I shocked? I know God answers prayers. I know they aren't always with a clear yes, and rarely have I seen an answer come so immediately, but I know He can answer in any way possible. Yet, I was surprised. I hate to admit it, but I don't think I had faith as I prayed. I think I was desperate for help, and it truly was my last resort.

I tried to handle things on my own first. I suspect He was waiting for me to turn around and realize He was there, with waiting arms to handle this trial. He was probably tapping His foot slowly since it was a long wait.

The light is still off, several days later. I'm afraid something is secretly wrong with the car because I expect bad stuff to happen to me. I haven't canceled the mechanic appointment and now worry that will be a waste of money and time. Did God really fix this for me or just bring me peace to get me through until then? I'm an overthinker. It's exhausting.

One More Thing...

Have you ever been surprised that God answered your prayer?

Take care, and I'm always here to pray for you if you have a need or request.
Lois Lynn

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