Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. (1 Corinthians 2:9, NKJV)
We were out of Italian ice.
For those who are unfamiliar with this delicious frozen treat, it is similar to a Popsicle, yet without the stick and added sugar. Due to our recent commitment to a healthier diet and lifestyle, my kids and I started replacing the usual “salty snacks” with more fruit and vegetables. And an occasional Italian ice instead of ice cream.
After my weekly trip to the store, I was putting the groceries away when my daughter hollered from the living room. “Dad, would you please bring me an orange?” Now, I love her dearly and know she would much rather have an Italian ice instead of an orange. So, I delayed my response to her request.
As I continued putting the groceries away, she bombarded me with her unrelenting requests. The volume of each demand rose to match her growing impatience. I finally asked her, “Are you sure you want an orange?” When she confirmed her choice, I grabbed an orange for her and an Italian ice for me and walked into the living room. Upon seeing what was in my hands, she immediately reversed her choice. Grinning from ear to ear, she said she would rather have an Italian ice. To which I replied, “Well maybe you should let your loving dad surprise you with something better than your initial request.”
Praying for Things of Lesser Value than what God wants to Give.
At that moment, God spoke to my heart. “Isn’t that just the way it is with you when you have your prayer time with Me? You are so adamant about what, when, and how you want your prayers answered. Have you ever considered I just might have something much better I would love to give you? Maybe, instead of impatiently and repeatedly asking for what you think you want, make your general request known – then allow Me to lovingly and sovereignly surprise you by exceeding your expectations.”
As her father, it was pure joy to surprise my daughter with what I knew she would rather have instead of her initial request. Likewise, our Heavenly Father delights in exceeding the needs of His children. But we must patiently wait for Him (Psalm 37:7) and leave the ultimate choice in His hands. After all, He does know what’s best.
“God, please grant all my orange prayers with Your Italian ice answers!”
