Can a person be surprised by something that they expect? I’m sure to find out…let me explain.

I have been privileged to be on a journey like I’ve never known over the last 6 months. I remember stating over and again that I was so glad that God never called me to be a missionary because I would hate to have to go around the country asking people for money. Funny how things come around.

Dara and I have been on a faith walk for the past 6 months. We have seen God’s provision pour out like never before as we are raising our salary. We have also seen him stretch our faith in a way that only this challenge could.

Last week was a very difficult week. We began to realize that our fundraising had slowed down quite a bit. I called Mike and simply shared with him that we were feeling the weight. We prayed together and Dara and I resolved to just keep going. Keep working. Keep planning for the opening of Hope. Keep going. We wouldn’t let the things that were beyond our control hold hostage the things we knew we were called to do today.

I got an email from a friend that very afternoon. He had just gotten us a $4,000 grant towards our salary! This just seems to be the way God works. He holds things back to stretch us, but promises to not give us more than we can handle. That promise was tested last week. That promise proved faithful in a very practical way. I am so grateful for that experience. I am once again reminded of God’s provision. His thoughts and love for me and my family.

This puts us back up to having enough to get us almost to Christmas. The monthly support continues to come in steadily, but the one time gifts are what are paying the bills right now. It all evens out in the end. PRAISE GOD!!!

How many times do I need to see God surprise us before I just begin to expect the surprises? I know God will provide. We are still not to our goal. We still need some surprises. I don’t know where it will come from, who it will come from or how it will come, but I am resolute in my belief that it will come.

I expect to be surprised by God.