God does more than answer prayers - He blows them out of the water.

That title may be a little confusing. What I want to say is that when we pray, we often do so in the realm of our limited minds. We don't give him nearly enough credit.

God gives us greater gifts that we can ever imagine, and I have really been coming to learn that lately.

There are three things that I specifically prayed for concerning my job this summer.

1. for it to make me somewhat financially stable. I know I need money so that I can tithe, bless others, and prepare for the future. I want to be responsible.

2. for it to be a good ministry opportunity.

3. For it to teach me the value of work ethic and help me to see that even in the workplace, I serve my King with EVERYTHING I have.

Let me tell you, he didn't answer those. He blew them out of the water.

First of all, and I won't go into too much detail, my job is WAY more than I could have asked for in the way of finances. Honestly, I am going to make more money than I will really know what to do with. PLUS, after talking extensively with one of the staff guys, I am going to create an action plan for how to be a good steward of this blessing. Saving plenty, tithing responsibly and joyfully, and using it to bless others as much as I can.

Second, it is perfect for ministry. Not only do I get to be a witness in the way I work, don't complain, treat customers and bosses, and how I treat the money I get. And, when it isn't busy, all we do is sit there and talk. AWESOME.

Third, the work ethic. I have always treated work as something I had to do to get some money. I complained about it, I did just as much as I needed to do to get by, and I didn't like it. I'll admit it. Already, I am seeing that work is just another way to joyfully do everything to the glory of God. Every car we valet includes running a block in the Virginia heat to or from the valet lot. Most of the day, we never really stop moving. Bell-hopping, doing errands, running for cars, everything. And it is amazing, because I not only know that I have to bust my butt, but I realize that I am WANTING to bust my butt because I do not serve my boss, or the guest at the hotel, I serve an Almighty King that deserves every bit of effort in my body.

I consistently forget that God does not want to answer our prayers - He wants to take them, improve them exponentially, and show us how much MORE He can, and will, do for us than we can ever imagine.

There is no better father than our Father in Heaven, who truly knows how to give His children good gifts.