SURPRISE!

From the time I can remember my family has loved to "surprise" each other.  Many times through the years Daddy and Mother would show up "unannounced" and we would be SO SURPRISED to see them standing at our door.

Our little family was living in North Carolina where we had gone to start a church, and I was very homesick.  I really missed my parents, and missed seeing all of our family and friends in Texas.  Jonathan and Andrew were little guys, and I wanted them to be around their grandparents, but God had called us to start a church, so we went.  I cannot say it was the easiest thing we had ever done, but His will had led us there, and we would be okay.   One day I got a call from Daddy and while we were talking I asked him if they could come and see us.  He told me all the reasons why they could not come at that time.  When I hung up I was very sad and disappointed.  Fast forward...

About five days later we had gone to some friends house to eat dinner.  When we arrived they invited us into their family room to sit down and visit awhile before we ate.  I hadn't quite made it to the couch to sit down when a door opened and standing there was DADDY and MOTHER!  I was speechless, and looked at Wendell and the boys where they were sitting on the couch, and they were stunned!  No one moved except me!  I tried to talk and make some sense, then realized I was about to faint from the "surprise" that was standing in the doorway!  I do not remember if I hugged them before or after I sat down.  Our friends were thrilled that we were so surprised, and that they had been a part of keeping a secret.

Through the years I've thought about that awesome time in my life when something I wanted so badly happened so UNEXPECTEDLY!  After that experience, I really believe I know how the disciples felt when Jesus appeared to them after His resurrection.  :-) 

As they said these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, "Peace be to you."  But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.  He said to them, "Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit doesn't have flesh and bones, as you see that I have." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet...then He said to them, "This is what I told you, while I was still with you..." (Luke 24:36-49)

Jesus was God, manifested in the flesh, and since we are made in his image I like to imagine how excited Jesus was when he was about to enter the house where his friends were gathered.  (I know how I would be if I was getting ready to walk in on my friends.) They were not expecting him at all, and he was anxious to see their faces when he "appeared!"  A smile probably came across his face as he thought, "The shock is going to be priceless!  I can't wait to surprise them! I  wonder if they picked up anything in our conversation that would make them believe I would actually come see them again?" After he had been there a little while and everyone finally calmed down,  I can hear him say, with a twinkle in his eyes..."I told you so!"  :-)

Have you ever had Jesus tell you something?  Sure you have!  You may have been in prayer and deep in your spirit he spoke and let you know what he was about to do.  You might have been reading the Bible, and it seemed like a light came on in your mind and you saw something you had never seen before.  When that happened you knew without a doubt that God had spoken to you!  Maybe you got a phone call and the person calling said, "I was praying and God told me to call you.  I don't know what it's all about, but He wants you to know...."  At that moment, once again you know you heard from God!

Then, there are times it seems as if the windows of heaven are locked tight, and your prayers are not getting through to him.  We pray...no answer.  We fast...no answer.  We testify about what we're expecting...no answer.  We claim our promise...still there's no answer!  Yes, there are those times, and you wonder, "Where is God?  Why doesn't he answer?"

Friend...don't be downhearted!  Jesus could be standing on the other side of the door waiting for that perfect time when you are least expecting him.  Just as you step into the room where he's planned to meet you, he'll open the door, smile, and say..."SURPRISE!  Here's your ANSWERED PRAYER!"  After you realize what has actually taken place, and you're over the shock, you will see a big smile come across his face as you hear him say..."I told you I'd do it!"

In a Moments Time

The last few days I have worked getting ready for the Texas District Board Meetings that started today. I love it when they are having meetings, because I get to "entertain" at the office and I always enjoy being with my friends who come with their husbands.

Last night I went to bed very tired and in a considerable amount of pain. I had been on my feet all day and late into the evening cooking. I told my husband it was worth it, because it's an honor to serve those who are serving us in our district. A little while later I made my way to bed and Wendell was already fast asleep. As I turned off the light the pain in my body seemed to accelerate. I knew sleep was not going to come for awhile if I kept hurting THAT much! So, I spoke to the Lord about it...

"God, you have raised people from the dead. Opened blinded eyes. Did many miracles! I'm just asking you to take away the pain in my body. I need my rest so I can feel like serving tomorrow. I also need you to help me through the day and keep the pain away. Thank you, Jesus! I know you're going to help me."

I turned over and " in a moments time" the pain had subsided! I had great sleep last night! When I woke up early this morning to finish the preparations, I put my feet on the floor and took a few steps. I hadn't got across the room when I realized the pain was still gone!! I praised Him for touching me!

I am now getting ready to go to sleep, but I wanted to share with you that today has been a good day! I am going to sleep well, because I know God will make it happen. I love how He let's us experience His power when we let him know we need Him and there's nothing we can do about our circumstance.

I will say goodnight with the verse of a song I use to sing.

If you are burdened with troubled.
If you are filled with despair.
Jesus will heal every heartache.
Reach out and you'll find Him there.

PRAISE GOD!!

It's time to REJOICE! I just got a call from someone I love very much and they told me they "PRAYED THROUGH" last night at church! They have been away from God for a LONG time and I'm thrilled to hear this news!!!!

God is SO AWESOME! He saw them walk in last night and gave them a "special message". He said, "I've seen your tears. I've never left you. I just want to take you in my arms and hold you."

Backslider, if you happen to read this post, PLEASE listen to what God feels about you! HE LOVES YOU! "He don't give up easy. He's just not the quittin' kind"! COME HOME! He's waiting with open arms.

Friends, if you have been praying for a backslider.....Don't give up on them! They are so HUNGRY for God and are miserable in their sin!

I will be writing another post soon, so be checking back! I HAD to share my answered prayer with you.