A number of years ago, Pat and I were searching for a good used car to replace one that was worn out.  I spent many days going here and there, looking for the right car.  We both prayed long and hard that the Lord would lead us to the right one.  But weeks, then months, went by and we were no closer than we were at the beginning.

    Our problem was that we decided on the car we needed(read “wanted”) then expected the Lord to fall in line and give it to us.  We specified the type, color, interior, engine, price, etc.  I could find cars with some of the requirements, but not all of them.  So we became very frustrated in our search.  We couldn’t understand why God was not giving us leadership.  We kept praying.  I kept looking.

    Finally we came down to a few days before we were to make an important trip.  In frustration and desperation we surrendered the whole thing to the Lord, saying, “We have no requirements.  We will gladly take whatever you lead us to.”

    The next day, both of us went to buy a car, expecting the Lord to lead us to the right one.  The first place we went, I felt strongly led to look at a car I had not even considered the day before because it was everything we did not want.  But both of us knew immediately that it was God’s choice for us.  So we bought it, wondering why the Lord led us as He did.

    To our surprise, that car was the best, most trouble-free car we have ever owned.  It was very comfortable, easy to drive, got great gas mileage, and was never in the shop.  We both hated to give it up when we finally felt it was time.

    Surprise number two came when we bought the replacement.  God unexpectedly led us to a car that was everything we had specified for the first car!  We still marvel at how He works.

    We are learning that God loves us, and answers our prayers, but He does it His way and in His time.  And sometimes when I decide what His will is and begin to pray that way, I think I can hear Him say, “Don’t fence me in.”  When I do, I try to stop, and drop the requirements, believing that He knows what is best, and will give me the best if I will leave the choice to Him.