My husband and I sat in a restaurant on a recent business trip talking about all our “stuff”–stuff with the kids, money stuff, work stuff. Everything, it seemed, was trouble. Lack of business, shortage of money, kids giving us worries. We were feeling overwhelmed by it all.
We’d been praying, waiting, hoping, wishing for change. But none seemed to be coming. Then DH (that’s DaHusband) said, “I feel like God is saying to us, ‘Prepare to be surprised.’”
Sounded like a contradiction to me. How do we “prepare” for something that’s a surprise? But that’s exactly what we were supposed to be doing. Anticipating blessing. Anticipating answers. Anticipating God to work in surprising ways in our circumstances.
This is what the Bible says about it: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8 – 9 (NIV)
We can’t help but be surprised by a God like that!
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
What are you praying for today? How can you “prepare to be surprised” by God? How do you think anticipating God’s coming blessing will affect your prayers? Your attitude?
Pray, and then prepare to be surprised!
(Comments welcome: I’d love to hear your stories of how God has surprised you!)
Mary, that same message has been floating around my head lately–how much the Lord delights in surprising us. At our church’s Connect group last night, we celebrated the fact that a cancer survivor’s full body scan came back completely negative for any remaining cancer. It dawned on us that the Lord knew all along what the report would be and He could hardly contain Himself as He waited for us to hear the news. He knew we’d be thrilled, and that we’d praise Him. Thanks for expressing your love relationship with the Lord so beautifully…and consistently. I have much to learn from you, my sister.
Praising Him with you! MP