This week, my daughter and her BFF traveled to North Carolina to see one of their favorite singers. They planned to stay at an Airbnb yet when they called to confirm its availability upon their arrival…crickets.

Several phone calls and texts to the host resulted in more crickets and then a call to Airbnb’s customer service. Come to find out, there was an issue with the reservation, and it got cancelled. Thankfully, they refunded her money.

However, even though they were financially sound, they were effectively “homeless” at the airport.

My daughter’s response was “What would my Mom do?” Then, she turned to her friend and they prayed. Next, she did some sleuthing and not long after, they were tucked away safe and sound in a nearby hotel, ready to enjoy their mini vacation.

When my daughter relayed this story, my heart nearly popped out of my chest with joy not only because all was well with her world, but she has learned a life lesson on what to do when facing an unexpected crisis.

Pray.

Many times, when life’s hiccups throw us off course, we immediately go into fight or flight mode and take matters into our own hands. If that turns out to be a hot mess, we then throw up our hands and declare, “Well, guess we’ll just have to pray for a miracle now.”

Prayer is not a final resort. It should be the very first thing we do. Who better than our Father in heaven to orchestrate the absolute best solution for His children? Who better than the One who loves us unconditionally to provide us wisdom and resources that will work in our best interests?

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Here’s what happened after my daughter prayed: The hotel she found was not only gorgeous but cost her only pennies more than the Airbnb! It had a boatload of amenities that they both enjoyed and to top it all off, she likely got a few extra travel points. Boom! That’s exceedingly abundantly above my friend!

That’s the God we serve.

This week, if a fiery dart comes your way, I’d like to encourage you to kick that habit of trying to fix it yourself to the curb and instead, ask God to give you wisdom and favor in the situation.

Then after you pray, listen for that still small voice that will surely provide the answer for whatever it is you’re facing.

Who you gonna call? I can guarantee you that God is exceedingly abundantly better than Ghostbusters, so get Him on your speed dial today!