Unexpected Answers

Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. (Matthew 20:32-34) 
 
Have you ever prayed and asked the Lord to give you something, and you expected Him to answer exactly in the manner for which you prayed? For instance, maybe you wanted to make more money, so you prayed for a job at a specific company, but God was leading you to another company or leading you to start your own business. Or maybe you wanted companionship so you prayed for a spouse, however God gave you a circle of supportive friends instead. 
 
When reading today’s key passage, it is easy to assume that Jesus only gave the two blind men exactly what they wanted. We assume that the same eyes they wanted opened in verse 33 are the same eyes Jesus touched in verse 34. However, while their physical sight did return, God was looking to give them something greater. That’s because Jesus understood that what they really needed was something spiritual, and not just something physical.  
 
I think sometimes we put God in a box by asking Him to answer our prayers in a certain way. We think we know best, and that we’ll only be satisfied and happy if God gives us exactly what we ask for. But what would it look like for us to pray and ask God to give us His best? Instead of making a list of demands, what would it look like to pray with a heart of surrender, asking the Lord to meet our needs according to His will and His plan?  
 
Our Heavenly Father always has our best interest in mind. So let’s choose to trust Him to answer our prayers in the best way possible, even if those answers come in unexpected packages.