When God Surprises Us
This summer, I thought God had opened an exciting opportunity for me. It stayed gentle on my mind for a future I looked forward to.
And then that door didn’t open.
Initially, I was baffled by my misjudgment. I admit I was confused and sad, and I said, “God, I thought this is what you wanted.”
We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9.
After a couple of days of moping, I once again turned to God, accepting it wasn’t meant to be, and committed to waiting to know His plan. And I left it there.
Like the scarecrow in the Wizard of OZ, I picked up my stuffing and went full-on into managing Kiwanis’ largest fundraiser, Mini Mart. After it was over, Roger and I took a brief vacation as a reward for all the work that went into this event.
Returning from our trip, I got a call informing me that the Board unanimously voted me to be the Network of Biblical Storytellers International President for a three-year term. I’ve been passionate about this organization since I joined in 1995. It was at an NBSI meeting where I learned an Old Testament story on which I’ve based my biblical fiction and am pursuing publication.
Ok, then, God. I get it.
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. Romans 8:18
Have you experienced a situation like this? It may be a job you were excited about. A move? A place to live? Or a friendship or relationship? And it didn’t work out, leaving you down, maybe even angry? We’ve all been there.
Can we have faith that God has a plan for us? Can we leave it at his feet? Do we get up, pull ourselves together, and know that His loving care is coming to us? Do we shut out worries if there is silence and wait with patience?
Advent begins this Sunday with four themes: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Wherever you are today, whether joyous with life, challenged with your health or that of a loved one, or other trying concerns, may you find solace, comfort, and inspiration with these verses. God had a road planned for me that was different from my dreams and expectations. We can be thankful for unanswered prayers and believe in Him to guide us to our next steps.
Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13.
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Truly, He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:5-6.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6.
