Unexpected

Unexpected.

This is the word that we have been hearing quite a bit these past few days. Our routines have shifted, work spaces have changed, plans have been put on hold, and gatherings canceled. As Assistants, we are used to planning ahead and having (nearly) every detail in place to facilitate ministry in a productive way. Our “norm” is to meet over coffee to listen to the hurting, then grasp their hands in prayer and hug them tight while letting them know their Heavenly Daddy sees them and loves them. Recently, though, we’ve found ourselves repeatedly adjusting game plans for the same activity in very short order. We email and Facetime our hurting friends to pray electronically and remind one another that God is in control even when circumstances are so out of (our) control. It is a delicate balance of walking in faith while carrying questions of our own.

Father, this is unexpected.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know.

Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.

Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong.

Proverbs 3:5-7 (Good News Translation)

This is not unexpected by God.

This the God who knows beginning from end. The God who created all things out of nothing, separated light from darkness, gave the waters their boundaries. Our God is the One who sees the suffering of humanity and offers His own Son to make things right. This is the God who invites us to trust Him with all we are; allowing Him to show us the way. He is audacious enough to invite us to trust His wisdom in place of our own.

Dare I say that nothing has really changed. We were never in control; that was an illusion. Yes, our lives had a comfortable predictability but that was not control. That was routine. When tragedy strikes, our God is heartbroken but not surprised. He gently reminds us not to rely on what we think we know but to depend on Him to show us the way through the familiar and unfamiliar. This is an opportunity to trust Him without the comfort of the familiar.

The unexpected is uncomfortable.

We don’t like to be uncomfortable but that is usually where we grow. I am reminded of standing at the edge of the pool as a little girl. I loved the water as long as I could hold on to my Dad. Tightly. Splashing was fun. Bouncing was a joy. Being thrown into the air with a hearty “AIRBORN” was thrilling. But standing on the edge of the pool while the security of my Dad’s arms was a terrifying three feet away in the water….well, that was uncomfortable. It took my willingness to literally take the leap in order to learn that his arms would always be right there to catch me. Once I learned that, my discomfort became an exhilarating new way to enjoy the water.

He is with us in the unexpected.

Walking through the scary with the Lord is even better than walking through it with my Dad. Somehow He holds our hand as we jump into His arms. He lends us the courage we need to take the leap … in order to build our courage and grow. But sometimes we forget that He is holding our hand because it has become so familiar.

Precious friends, He is holding your hand. He’s got you. He is inviting you to trust Him and take the leap into the unfamiliar. It is OK to cry. It is OK to be scared. He isn’t bothered by your doubts. He welcomes your questions. He even understands your hesitations as you build enough courage to jump. All of it is a delight to His heart. It gives Him more opportunities to invite you, encourage you, and remind you that…

You are adored.