Beyond expectation

This morning I realized God has given me several things which have been beyond my expectations.

When our family moved from our house nestled in trees on the mountain to a rental in the suburbs, I couldn’t imagine what God was doing.

But He had made it clear this was His will and we walked into it with thanksgiving for His direction and provision.

One day, during my prayer time, the Lord asked me what I’d want if He were to give us a farm.

(Something I’ve wanted since I was a teen.)

At first I was hesitant, but the story of the king of Israel and Elisha came to mind. 2 Kings 13:18-19

He was hesitant in doing what the prophet told him and it cost him.

So, I began making my list before God.

When finished, I told the Lord, “This is all in Your hands, I don’t expect to receive anything.”

Then, I purposed not to think about it, but to enjoy the place we were, because I’ve fallen into the error of living in the future rather than being grateful for the present.

I completely forgot about that list until much later.

We were walking this property and I was praying for God to make it clear if we were supposed to move here.

He brought my list to mind and I was shocked.

Everything I’d asked for was here.

In that moment I knew God was confirming the move.

He knew what would be best for us and what desires He had placed in our hearts, therefore the list was simply a way for me to recognize those things and see them again when He showed us our new home.

Because moving here was a leap of faith.

Another thing that has been beyond my expectations is the fact that our family is in the process of adopting.

24 years ago, when our oldest daughter was in diapers my heart yearned to adopt.

I spent many a prayer time in tears seeking God’s face, asking Him to allow us to add to our family through adoption, heartbroken over the number of children in need.

Instead, He gave us four beautiful children.

I remember clearly the prayer time where the Lord asked me to give Him my desire to adopt children.

It wasn’t an easy thing for me, but I knew that the Lord is asking me to spend my time in prayer on something else.

He wanted me to give Him my desire until let it go completely.

That was many years ago.

Imagine my surprise when my husband emailed me from work with a link to a local adoption agency and suggesting we pray about adding to our family.

I honestly wasn’t sure if the Lord was giving me back the desire of my heart, until he confirmed it as I prayed by giving me several verses to stand on while we went through the process which bring me comfort while we wait to complete all the requirements.

This morning I experienced another surprise.

I opened my WordPress to see a notification of a new follower.

When I began this blog, several years ago, it was an act of faith and a step of obedience.

Although I enjoy writing, I do not see myself as a writer.

I remember telling the Lord that I wasn’t capable.

His reminded me that I don’t have to be capable or able, I simply have to obey.

The story of Moses and the burning bush came to mind.

Moses certainly didn’t feel able to do the task that God had raised him up to do, but he was the very man for the job and God used him mightily.

I love Moses’s reaction to all God did through him.

Numbers 12:3 NKJV — (Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.)

I was humbled by a notification about this blog this morning.

Because I know that it is not my effort, but God’s blessing.

Obedience before God, whether it is in walking where He’s called or releasing things into His hands, is always best.

Only God knows how He is working all things together for good.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for the incredible number of blessings You have given me and my family. Thank You for the answers to prayer. Thank You for teaching me how to give up the things I desire and look only towards Your interests, walking in obedience, and learning how to surrender completely, each day. Lord Jesus, I do not deserve any credit for anything, for I know You are the one that has worked through this vessel. I know that You alone are the reason I am able to do anything. I know that all that I enjoy in my daily life is a gift from You whether it be food or family or a home or even worship. You are the author of it all and I understand that everything I think of as “mine” is actually Yours, including me. Thank You! You are worthy of all praise. I love You, Jesus Amen.

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