Surprise!

I’ve come to hate the fact that I am so surprised when God answers my prayers, says “yes”, and moves circumstances in my life just the way I asked him to. It’s sad that I’m shocked when these situations happen, because I think it reveals my heart.

What – is God in heaven some kind of stingy ogre? Is it so incredible that when I ask for something specifically, he often gives it to me? It shouldn’t be. He is my Abba. He loves to give good gifts, like any daddy. And if something will be for my best and his glory, he will delight in lavishing his grace on me.

I’ve been thinking about my surprised response to answered prayers lately as my studies have taken me to Acts 12. There, the apostle James has been martyred, Peter is in prison awaiting trial, and things are looking dismal. A group of believers meets and prays “earnestly” (v.5) for his release. Miraculously, God intervenes and sends an angel to rescue Peter, who then proceeds to the house where the believers are praying. At first, they don’t believe the servant girl who informs them joyously that Peter is at the door, even telling her she is out of her mind. Then, when they do see that it is really Peter, they are “greatly astonished” (v.16).

My initial reaction to reading that was, “C’mon guys. You were just praying for his release. How can you be so surprised that God got him out?” Heh. Pot, meet kettle.

Shock, incredulity, astonishment. All of them carry a whiff (or more) of disbelief. Disbelief isn’t really the response my Daddy is looking for when he blesses me with goodness. Joy, relief, thankfulness, praise – yes.

Surprise – no.