Surprise!
Occasionally I’m surprised by something that another person says or does. I keep telling myself to not be surprised by the actions and activities of others. When someone does something so out of character for them, I surprised. The word “surprise” means: “astonished, unexpected, wonder – something that surprises someone, a completely unexpected occurrence, appearance of statement.” (dictionary.com)
Abraham and Sarah were minding their own business during the middle of a hot day when 3 unexpected visitors showed up at their tent. Abraham scurried around to help Sarah put a really good meal in front of them. After eating, they asked where Sarah was. Abram told them she was in the tent. Then they brought quite a surprise. Check this out….
10 Then one of them said, “I will return to you about this time next year, and your wife, Sarah, will have a son!”
Sarah was listening to this conversation from the tent. 11 Abraham and Sarah were both very old by this time, and Sarah was long past the age of having children.12 So she laughed silently to herself and said, “How could a worn-out woman like me enjoy such pleasure, especially when my master—my husband—is also so old?”
13 Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, ‘Can an old woman like me have a baby?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord?I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”
15 Sarah was afraid, so she denied it, saying, “I didn’t laugh.”
But the Lord said, “No, you did laugh.”(Genesis 18:10-15 NLT)
There are some surprises that I’m not a fan of. There are other surprises that I like. This surprise announcement did come true. They were old enough to be “great-grand parents” and they were becoming parents.
I’m learning to trust the Lord and not be surprised by His ability. He can do ANYTHING. He can heal the incurable. He can mend relationships that were once destroyed. I had a good friend who would sarcastically remark when a “God Moment” occurred. He would say: “That would almost make you believe in God”! I chuckle sometimes at my poor memory. If I would just think back to some amazing times when I was surprised that God chose to heal. I admit that I don’t understand the times He doesn’t do what I ask. I do trust His heart. I lean into His Promises. His Presence in me helps me navigate disappointment and heartbreak.
I want to notice the Presence of God all over the place today. I don’t want to be surprised by Him as much as I want to become aware of all that He is doing in my life, even when I’m not paying close attention.
Pressing On!
Dwayne