“If life were predictable it would cease to be life and be without flavor.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
Many people enjoy life’s surprises, at least in retrospect, but most people appreciate a certain amount of predictability, especially when it comes to matters like their health, finances, relationships, or career. Concerning these, they say, “Leave well enough alone.” Afterall, these are the areas we plan our lives around, we count on for stability, and we work hardest to improve.
Chuck Swindoll said, “God likes surprises. Breaking molds is His specialty. So let God be God and expect the unexpected.” The truth is no matter how hard we try to plan responsibly for our future or even keep the status quo, the unexpected upheavals in life can catch us unprepared. Many find themselves facing a sudden financial reversal, the trauma of a divorce, the loss of a loved one, or unforeseen health problems – all of which can rock their world and challenge their faith. But it is possible to face the unexpected with confidence.
In 1997, folks on the Northern Plains were caught unprepared for a “once-in-500-year flood.” The people in Grand Forks, North Dakota, worked diligently, fortifying levees, but eventually, the relentless, swelling Red River broke through the sandbag dams and inundated the entire town. While no lives were lost, the community was devastated. This is not the sort of unpredictability that adds flavor to life, but it certainly offered an opportunity for faith to grow.
Hebrews 13:8 reminds us to rest in God’s promises. It is during our trials that we can grow closer to the Lord and experience His love, peace, joy, comfort, and presence in a special way. The Psalmist wrote, “God is our refuge and strength, a very ready help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). James went further, writing, “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4).
Complete faith in Christ means we are prepared for the worst possible adversity and trial, not because we have planned well, but because we have confidence in God’s perfect will, strength, and sovereignty. Jesus warned His disciples “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24b). Denying yourself means letting go of your expectations. That “cross” is unique to each of us and takes many forms. Taking it up means accepting it, refusing to let it crush us. Following Christ means taking that next step and then the next and the next – confident in the One we follow. Whether that cross is a brief interruption in our journey or a lifelong burden, it reminds us of our vulnerabilities and dependence on God.
When our lives are suddenly changed, we might be surprised and feel inadequate initially, but we don’t have to remain that way. We have a choice in how we handle each trial. If we choose to let go of control, embrace our circumstances, and move toward God, He will equip us to fight the good fight while providing whatever we need to not only endure the trial, but grow in our faith and our relationship with Him. Expect the unexpected and expect God to get you through it.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 26:3-4
Personal Application: Knowledge, power, independence, guarantees, and control will not give you perfect peace. Only Jesus will give you the security and deliverance you need. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). This week search for verses that include “Do not be afraid.” Why do you think this phrase appears in the Bible more than any other?
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5