Sometimes our Father meets our needs in unexpected ways. In the summer of 2016 I discovered it was nearly time to retire from my job of 38 years. I was surprised, but not shocked. As reality began to sink in I realized that at 63 years old I wasn’t ready to go sit on the couch. I fretted and stewed. I thought I might look for a part time job at either an Apple store or the local Guitar Center. Excited I was not.

Then one evening my beautiful wife tossed out an idea – what if we bought an RV and traveled around the country? Whoa! That was unexpected! After doing my best to be sure she was serious and that she too might enjoy the adventure, I began to look forward to retirement. My outlook made a u-turn. Now I was excited!

The enemy is asleep!

In Psalms 76 Asaph records a song written to celebrate the victorious power of God. Through the course of history God has rescued his people and met their needs many times over. Often in ways we might expect. Other times he surprises us.

In Psalms 76:3 Asaph says, “There [God] broke the flaming arrows, the shield and the sword and the weapons of war.”

And how did He do that?

Psalms 76:6, “At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both rider and horse were cast into a dead sleep.”

Imagine with me that the Israelites are up against a vast army, too big and too many. They ask their God (and ours) to help them defeat the enemy. They are afraid, but trusting and ready to do battle with and for their great God. As they await an answer one of the lookouts arrives with strange news. The enemy, ALL of the enemy, is asleep. Whoa! Now that’s unexpected! After doing their best to verify the news, uncertain trepidation turns to giddy confidence. Their outlook makes a u-turn and off they march to defeat the enemy.

Are you God’s child?

Never underestimate His power, His creativity, His willingness to help. It is true that sometimes He seems to delay. Occasionally He gives exactly what you asked for and expected. But there are other times when you have to pay attention and look for the answer. Sometimes He surprises.

Are you in trouble? Do you have a need?

Ask and trust.

And if an unexpected solution seems to have presented itself, try to verify it is not inconsistent with God’s revealed will, then trust it is from Father and go buy an RV!

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