Why Are We Surprised?

You know it's happened to you.  You really want or need something, so you pray and ask God to bless you with the request.  Then He answers it and you stand amazed.  Wow!  He actually did it!  He actually listened to you and he was actually able to accomplish it!  Something that seemed impossible, and now it's done!  You can't believe it!

Why not?  Why so surprised?

The Bible contains numerous promises that God makes to us.  Why are we astounded when He actually does what He said He was going to do?


And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)


And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)


He gives strength to the weary
   and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:29)

These are only a small sampling of the dozens of things God says He will do for us, to us, and through us.  When we pray we should do so with confidence and security that as long as we are in His will and praying according to His teachings, the prayers WILL be answered.  Yet we are often surprised and shake our head in almost disbelief. 

Why do we doubt?  We're the ones who break promises, not God.  When our prayers are answered we should smile, praise Him, and just nod knowingly.  We should end each prayer with assurance, wondering not "if" but rather "when".  Answers to prayers may not be in the way that we want, but we should have confidence that they are a foregone conclusion.  If they aren't, then God is a liar and not worthy of our faith.  But we know that isn't true, so we should take great strength in that knowledge.

God love us.  He always fulfills His promises.  And though we should be grateful, we should never be surprised when He does this.