I don’t love Las Vegas.

Maybe I’m in the minority. Maybe you agree with me. Either way, it’s just not my scene. And I say that having been to Vegas a handful of times. After my first visit in 2010, it felt like a one-and-done sort of place. I had no desire to return—and I didn’t for the next 14 years. Then, work took me back twice in 2024 and again in 2025.

That first trip back felt a bit exciting. New job. New coworkers. Nice hotel. We even squeezed in The Beatles Cirque du Soleil show one night. But then, the novelty wore off. In fact, when I found out I would be traveling to Las Vegas again this past summer, I genuinely did not want to go. Of course, I’m a big girl, so I went, did what I was tasked to do, and I survived.

But, let me tell you. I had to pray about my attitude leading up to the trip. I needed to focus on God and on the positives instead of complaining. I asked him to help me view my time in Vegas as an adventure and an opportunity instead of dreading the very idea of it.

And then, I made a brief request. Some might call it a silly request. But I believe that no request is too small or meaningless to God because He listens and cares about what matters to us.

In Philippians 4:6 (AMP), the Apostle Paul gives this command: “Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.”

So, I asked God for a room with a view—but not just any view. I asked for a view of the Bellagio Fountains and Paris Las Vegas Hotel—the only two features of Vegas I actually enjoy. And, I will add that this was not an outrageous request, as our team was staying at The Cosmopolitan, with one side of the hotel facing the fountains and Eiffel Tower replica at Paris.

Now, I want to be clear that I was serious. I didn’t go to God with a maybe-He-will, maybe-He-won’t mentality. I prayed in faith and believed God would show up and redeem the trip for me because I’ve witnessed His faithfulness before. I know He sees me, gets me, loves me, and is always with me.

By now you might be wondering if I got my room with a view.

Yes. And no.

After a long day of travel, I arrived at The Cosmopolitan around 10pm Las Vegas time. With the little energy I had remaining, I managed some small talk with the employee checking me in. Then, without warning, he picked up the phone and appeared to be waiting for a response on the other end—all the while still chatting with me.

Is he calling security? I wondered. What else could it be?

My weary and suddenly wary brain could not come up with a more feasible explanation.

Thankfully, I wasn’t in trouble. Hanging up the phone, the guy behind the desk smiled and asked if I’d ever stayed in a suite with a wrap-around terrace at The Cosmo. I had not—until that night.

Key card in hand, I could not get to that room fast enough. Stepping off the elevator on the 63rd floor, I had no idea what to expect. More specifically, what view to expect. I only knew it had to be good and it had to be God who orchestrated this unexpected free upgrade.

The suite was massive. A long hallway with closets led me to a bathroom, kitchen, and living room area. Another door led to a full master suite with a second, larger bathroom. But it was the wall of floor-length drapes that quickly captured my attention. Pulling them open, I discovered a wall of windows and a door to the terrace. Out I went!

My eyes scanned the neon skyline. No Bellagio Fountains. No Paris Eiffel Tower. But what about the other side? I rounded the corner expectantly. No fountains. No Paris. I could see the Bellagio hotel, but the fountains were just out of sight.

Admittedly, my gut reaction was disappointment. How could God give me such an incredible room on the wrong side of the building? This wasn’t what I asked for.

But almost instantly, I felt God’s presence and peace. And it hit me. I asked for a room and he gave me a suite. I imagined one window and he gave me a walkout balcony facing two directions. I hoped for the view I thought was best, and God gave me His best. He gave me more. Thank you, Lord!

You see, I love heights and panoramic vantage points. This suite gave me both. Plus, my hotel was close enough for me to walk to the Bellagio and watch several fountain shows with a view of Paris across the street.

Experiencing the fountains live and in person was honestly better—and it got me thinking. If my room’s wrap-around terrace had overlooked the Bellagio side of the hotel, I probably wouldn’t have left the hotel to see the fountains. I probably would have stayed out on my terrace far too long and too late to feel rested for my job.

God knew.

God provided.

He showed up and gave me more than I asked for, His way.

After that first night—the 10pm check-in, the suite upgrade, the sky-high look at Vegas from the comfort of my own room—I felt seen and ready to embrace the rest of the trip with optimism and confidence. And I did just that.

I still don’t love Vegas, but God definitely redeemed the whole experience for me. But that should be no surprise, because of all He promises.

Psalm 139:1-7 (NLT)

¹ O Lord, you have examined my heart
    and know everything about me.
² You know when I sit down or stand up.
    You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
³ You see me when I travel
    and when I rest at home.
    You know everything I do.
⁴ You know what I am going to say
    even before I say it, Lord.
⁵ You go before me and follow me.
    You place your hand of blessing on my head.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too great for me to understand!

⁷ I can never escape from your Spirit!
    I can never get away from your presence!