Better Than I Ever Dreamed

Does anyone else besides me tend to immediately assume that it's a bad thing when things don't go the way you hoped?   

Frequently, however, when things don't go the way I want, they often turn out better than I ever dreamed. Remember Trust Jesus, Not A Timeline? I suggested that I should keep praying even when things don't go according to my plan, because if God already gave up Jesus to pay for my sins, then just maybe He could be responding to my prayers by doing something to bless me in a way I didn't even know was possible (Romans 8:32, Matthew 7:9-11). Here's a recent example of the Lord's lavish grace:

Some of you may have already seen on Facebook that I came within mere feet of Mr. Justin Timberlake this weekend. It was totally unexpected. An absolute accident on my part. (Though not on God's.) But in order for you to understand how big of a deal this is, we need to travel back in time.

Ever since I was a young girl, I have always loved *NSYNC. I've seen them in concert 3 times. The most I've ever seen any other artist is twice. Even now, I will unashamedly continue to treasure the music of this amazing boy band. But Justin was always my favorite...so much so that I pretty much refused to believe that he and Britney Spears were dating - even after they announced it publicly. I just wasn't sure how he could date her, when clearly, he was supposed to marry me...after I got a bit older and started my own singing career, of course.  

Since then, I reluctantly gave up on the dream of becoming Mrs. Justin Timberlake. (And it's a good thing I did, otherwise, I'm not sure how I would have handled the news of his marriage to Jessica Biel.) But I never gave up being a fan. So when I heard he was coming to PA, but that tickets were already sold out, I thought it might be a fun adventure to bring a friend and just mosey over to the concert to see if we might be able to somehow get tickets or at least enjoy the music from a nearby location. 

In the midst of the scramble to implement this spur of the moment decision, I prayed that God would bless our concert excursion. It wasn't anything elaborate. Just a general prayer. 

Shortly after we got to the concert venue, we realized that there was no way we were going to get in, so we started to survey the situation for other options. We settled upon a location outside the arena and tried to maneuver as best as we could to be able to see the stage. We even attempted to stand on a guard rail to get some extra height, but it was too difficult to keep our balance. Luckily I spotted a nearby tree, assessed the height of its branches, both relative to the stage and to me, and immediately began to climb it. Thankfully, that tree allowed me to have a great view of Jay Z and JT as they performed some of my favorite tunes. 

So after enjoying an awesome concert for free, my friend Bria and I started to head toward the car. But others who were heading in that direction were promptly and sternly stopped by security guards and were instructed to go the other way. But it didn't make sense. There was no reason we couldn't go that way. And I didn't like it one bit that we were going to have to pointlessly walk around the entire parking lot  when we could easily get to the car by walking in a straight line. I took about a second to contemplate what it might look like for me to sweetly negotiate with the security guard...but when he started yelling at the others, I decided it was best to just follow his instructions. The whole situation still made no sense, but I definitely was not up for getting yelled at...or worse...

Then, as we literally walked in the opposite direction of my car, we were stopped by yet another security guard. He told us we couldn't keep walking with the group ahead of us, but that we had to wait. Again...it made no sense. It was like every security guard we could possibly run into had conspired to delay us in the process of getting out of that parking lot at a decent hour. There was absolutely no visible reason as to why they would prevent us from walking directly to our car or then prevent us from continuing to walk the path that they themselves had instructed us to take.

But in the next 30 seconds, everything became crystal clear.

First, some screams. Then out rolled a black car with Jay Z hanging out the front passenger's window, grinning and waving comically. Shock ensued, producing frantic internal dialogue. "Was that just Jay Z? Where was Justin? I didn't see him. That must mean he's next. You better hurry and get your camera out before you miss it!" More screams. White van. "That is most undoubtedly Justin Timberlake. Take a picture! That's Justin Timberlake! He's right in front of you! This is a once in a lifetime thing. You will never be this close to Justin ever again. Wow! I can't believe that just happened..."

And as we were finally allowed to walk on the designated path away from my car, it all made sense. It didn't matter to me that we had been delayed a few minutes. We just saw Justin Timberlake! And it didn't matter to me that we had to do a bit more walking to get to the car. We just saw Justin Timberlake! Up close! And that's why the security guards were so adamant in their instructions to us. They needed to keep the way clear so Justin's van could safely take him to his tour bus. And all these delays and inconveniences were annoying in the moment, but after I saw the bigger picture, I embraced them gladly! In fact, I was in utter disbelief that such an amazing thing could happen to me!

If given the option, I would joyfully be slightly inconvenienced for the sake of being within an arm's length of one of my favorite musicians. The thing was, I didn't get the option. God chose for me, and He chose well. He always chooses well. But sometimes I can't see it, because I just don't get to see the whole picture. I can't see that He has a plan to answer my prayers beyond my wildest imagination. I didn't even think to pray that I would get to see Justin up close, yet God knows me so well. He knew just how to delight my heart and to remind me that He can answer prayers beyond the scope of what even seems possible.

Honestly, if I had tried to come up with a plan to somehow get to see Justin on my own, I'm sure I never would have been able to so perfectly weave those events together the way that God did - even if I had a million years to try. But thankfully, He's the One that's in control. And He loves me. And He knows me - better than I even know myself. 

And that's why Loving Him is Red!

How has the Lord surprised you in small or big ways in response to your prayers?

Best song from The 20/20 Experience! Especially 3:42-4:08...pure genius!

I also like to imagine the Lord singing to me - "You reflect me; I love that about you." <3