Have you ever asked God for something fully expecting that the request is too much; even for Him? Or, have you ever not bothered to take your petition – a need or a want – to the Throne of Grace and Mercy because, again, you just don’t think God can handle it. Or you feel God is too busy with things like “world peace” and “hunger” to take care of your paltry issue?

I’d be willing to bet we all have.

A story

Years ago I heard a pastor (and forgive me, I cannot recall his name) tell the story of his daughter’s upcoming wedding and marriage. “Sweetheart,” he told her, “Your mother and I have some money set aside for your wedding, of course, but we also have money –whenever you’re ready – for your first home.”

“What do you mean?” she asked.

"You know, your down payment, or for new carpet, draperies, furniture …”

The daughter nodded. She understood.

The wedding was lovely; the best that money could buy. The pastor’s daughter and her new husband went somewhere tropical for their two-week honeymoon, then returned to their tiny “just rented apartment.”

About six weeks later Dad reminded his daughter that –whenever she and her husband were ready –he had the money they needed for the down payment for a starter home. Daughter nodded as she said, “I know, Daddy.”

Two years and twenty-four rent payments plus one newborn later, the happy couple announced they’d put a down payment on a little starter home. Dad casually mentioned that, if they’d like, he could write a check for new furniture.

“Well,” the daughter said, “with the baby right now … we’d do better to wait, I think.”