Have you ever asked for something, then received more than requested?
   Occasionally all of us see something that we like and ask for it; sometimes we are surprised that we not only get what we requested but more.
   You asked for a slice of cake, but you received ice cream, too.
   You only wanted one piece of chicken and your plate was filled.
   You asked for a $50 bonus but you received a $100.
   You asked for a half way decent looking man and you got an absolute hunk.
   All you wanted was a just a plain God fearing woman and you got a bombshell.
   All you really asked for was a passing grade in your class but you received a much higher grade.
   We all know the feeling of excitement we get when we get more than we ask for. It's exhilarating to say the least.
   Whenever we get more than we ask for it means that we are enjoying God's favor.   Favor is when God goes beyond our prayer request and gives us more than we request.
   Yet, there is something that we must consider: God doesn't make mistakes. He does not confuse your prayer request with that of your neighbors. If He sent you two blessings when all you ask for was one blessing, He did not make a mistake.
   A widow woman prayed to God for enough meal and oil to make a final cake for herself and her son. The prophet Elijah came to visit her shortly afterwards and told her to reach in her barrel and make the cake of bread. When she reached into the barrel she retrieved enough meal to make a cake for herself, but there was also enough for visitor as well. Each day, she found that the barrel never ran dry. That was not a mistake. There was a reason her barrel never ran dry and why there was always just enough to make one more for the visitor. God blessed her so that she could bless the prophet who was spending a few days under her roof.
   Is it possible that God blesses us with more than we need, so that we can help someone else?
   We may have two coats so that we can share one with the man who has no coats.
   We may have 20 pairs of shoes so that we can share some with the woman who walks in her bare feet.
   We may have extra food in our pantry, so that we can provide a meal for someone in need.
   That may explain the strange way that God seems to answer prayers. Sometimes we ask for one thing and He gives us something else; not even close to what we requested.
   One author put it this way:
   I asked for strength, God gave me difficulties to make me strong.
   I asked for wisdom and God gave me problems to solve.
   I asked for riches and God gave me plenty of work to do I asked for courage and God gave dangers to overcome.
   I asked for love and God gave me troubled people to help I asked for favors and God gave me opportunities.
   I asked for power, that I might have the praise of others I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
   I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life, I was given life, that I might enjoy all things. I received nothing I wanted, but everything I needed.
   As Christians, we know that our savior has promised to hear our prayer and provide for all of our needs. When He goes beyond that and favors us immensely beyond what we actually need, He has another purpose in mind. Let's seek His purpose and follow His will.