Slapped in the face with the unexpected

This year’s theme for the Deeper Life Women’s Retreat that I attended was “Unexpected.”  I never thought about the theme much before I arrived but then during the weekend was faced with that word at every corner. I realized that yes; I was living in the midst of the unexpected. 

Last year at this time I never would have guessed that we would be living in Michigan and not on the mission field in Mexico.  We weren’t supposed to be back to Mexico. I didn’t expect that I would ever be sitting here writing a blog, in my pj’s, hoodie and fleece robe to keep from freezing.  I expected to be in Mexico wondering if tomorrow would be less than 100 degrees, sitting in my shorts prepping for this weeks Bible study that I would be teaching in Spanish. I didn’t expect to have the season of rest and reflection that I have had as we have transitioned to the states, but I’m glad that I have had it. 

You see the unexpected is not always a bad thing.  What seems very unexpected to us is never unexpected with God.  He’s got it covered.  He knows what is happening now, what will be happening in the future and he that whole picture thing?  well, he sees it.  We only see a portion and freak out.  Ok, I freak out.  If anything veers from the path that I think should and will be I just kind of flip out for a moment…or two, or three.  You mean we have to stay in Michigan for the school year?  AAAAAHHHHH where will we live, what about our stuff in our house in Mexico, what about our ministry there, what about our car just sitting in the carport ready for anyone to steal, what about Emily’s school that she is already registered for in Mexico, what about……and what about…..??? And the list can go on.  And God says, “So what about it? I’ve got you in the palm of my hands child and those things matter to me and are not off my radar.”  Phew, ok.  Breathe. 

So what God is saying is that I need to trust him in the unexpected?  Yes.  Such an easy answer but so hard to do, especially when you are a control freak.  Yep, that’s me.  I like to control things so they work just right.  I like to have my schedule and my list and know just what is going to happen now, in 6 months or a year.  When I have to give that up, it’s like torture.  But God says to trust him and here’s what I’ve found; God has always been faithful and trustworthy and has never let me fall.  He says is Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,"

During this time of unexpectedness I’ve been drawn to the Psalms and have been encouraged by the words written there.  Let me share a few with you today that will hopefully encourage you in your journey of whatever unexpected thing you are going through.

Psalm 37:7a Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him;

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 33:20  We wait in hope for the Lord;He is our help and our shield.

Psalm 33:4  For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all he does.

He’s close to us, He is our help and shield, and He is faithful.  In the unexpected things of life help us to remember that.  Blessings to you today friends in whatever unexpected things may come your way