Unexpected

A few weeks ago I mentioned to a friend that I would be taking some vacation time in early October and her immediate response was with a sincere, “I’m going to start praying for you now.” It is no secret around the office that my past few vacations have included less-than-idyllic scenarios of expensive car repairs or stubborn illness. Not the Disney experience I had been dreaming of!

While this week certainly had beautiful moments, we have also experienced some deep difficulties. Some of the time that I hoped to write, was spent having painful conversations. Naps were replaced with to-the-mat-level prayer. And, yes, we have some unexpected car repairs looming over these last few days away from the office.

That’s life.

Please hear my heart. I’m not being a Negative Nancy with that statement. Life is full of unexpected struggles and rejoicing; it is a both/and offering. I want to embrace the highs and lows as it pertains to my walk with the Lord because I believe He is with me in both. So before I slid down that slippery slope of self-pity, I began thanking God for time. Time to refresh my soul in the mountains. Time with my husband for unhurried conversations. Time to sleep in. Time to pray and prepare my heart for the next turn in the road.

That’s a gift.

Honestly, I’ve logged enough time with the Lord to know it is important to rest and refresh when I have opportunity because life is filled with unexpected twists and turns. My heart, mind and body need to be ready. Or ready-er. Pausing to reflect and prepare isn’t bracing for the worst, it is essential to the rhythm of life.

That’s wisdom.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever us pure,

whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

Philippians 4:6-8

God’s game plan for the unexpected: release your worries to Him, pray, be thankful, receive peace, and set your mind on His truth over your life – not the circumstances around you. He is Lord over them all and can be trusted to bring good out of what was intended for evil.

He has invited us into the process of the unexpected and trusts us to stand in the gap with prayer, a listening ear, and humble words of encouragement. Do we get it right every time? Nope. Thankfully, He isn’t looking for perfection from us. He is looking for a daughter willing to pray and act according to her Daddy’s truth. Our role is to be available and point people to Jesus. His job is to be God, offering freedom and forgiveness.

He is inviting us into the unexpected of life. The joyful and the difficult. The twists and the turns. All of it with Him. For the good of others and for the good of you because…

You are adored.