Walk Gracefully Through the Unexpected

Nothing in life truly surprises me any more. Yet, I recently told someone I don’t like surprises. That’s an oxymoron because life, when one is truly walking with Christ, is nothing but the unexpected. So much so, that I’ve honestly had to learn to walk gracefully through the unexpected. Over the years I have often joked that one might compare the ongoing family drama which ensues around me, to that of a daytime soap opera…yes, it’s that chaotic at times. My motto has quite literally become: “Give me Jesus!” He is the way and source of internal peace, for certain!

Fact: God keeps leaving people (literally) on my doorstep. Sometimes, it makes me crazy; sometimes, it takes a while for me to see the blessing or His plan. (However, he keeps working on me.) Almost two weeks ago this happened again; thankfully I immediately understood what transpired in this person’s life, is God answering my prayers. Nonetheless, it is neither convenient or comfortable for me. Through this incident, God has shown me family healing and reconciliation will transpire.

But, I ask, why do I have to be the one to whom much responsibility is given…?  Well, apparently God trusts me. He knows: I speak His Word over myself as I walk through my days, praying ceaselessly. I truly believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Understanding because His grace is sufficient for me, it needs to be given to others. Time and time again it seems, even when they do not understand it, Christ’s light beckons to those in whose presence he places me; a vessel of light shining from the city on a hill. For Christ in me, the hope and glory, God uses this (sometimes reluctant, yet always obedient) servant to breathe life into dry bones. No, i’m not bragging, this is my job as a disciple and what the Lord expects of me! (Matthew 28:18-20)

I can tell you (as I’ve whined about before) how God uses me is sometimes burdensome. However, I’ve learned He doesn’t let one minute of my life go unused. Not an ounce of His love, nor a syllable of of His Word, is wasted on me. I take Him ever so seriously; this life he gives me has purpose and I choose to find it, and Him, in every mountain and every molehill. Even when I am frustrated to the point of needing to spend an entire day alone with my Lord, climbing a hill and trudging through mud just to clear my mind and spirit out, I refuse to let the enemy win. He will not take me down without a battle. If I have any say, he won’t take down my family either – not so long as I have breath. Lord knows Satan has tried!

I’ve always been the responsible one, and yes, at moments I desire otherwise. However, what I receive in return for obedience and fervent prayers; for not giving up on those who’ve sort of given up on themselves and others, and on Him, is the complete beautiful opposite of frustration as long as it is done in the Lord’s will and power: Blessings. Life more abundant. Freedom from that which once bound me. This is all I hope and desire for others as well.

This week the enemy is attacking my physical health again because he knows a breakthrough is about to occur. He sees from his perch in hell, God pulling people in my life to freedom, one step, one day, at a time. It’s not because of me, it is because of Jesus. His power. His enduring, unconditional love! I stand in belief they are going to see breakthrough due to the trust I put in Jesus – the one who saves and restores. It is He who directs my steps even when it doesn’t look that way to others because they don’t understand how He operates. (Such as not liking when I won’t give in to them or rather that nasty spirit of manipulation, or in moments of loving honesty.) Instead, I pray, they see me standing in the fire, walking amidst the flames with Jesus, trusting God for all things. “He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” (Daniel 3:25) It has been a process but  necessary relinquishing my expectations of life to Him, for his glory. Forever and ever, amen!

I pray those he places in my care also experience the unexpectedness of God, growing in awe and reverence of his power and glory in their own lives…

Everything God does is unexpected therefore expect life in Him to be full of surprises!

“For God so loved the world, He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)