A week of unexpected!

The unexpected week began last Saturday with a gathering of men from church at a local coffee shop. We do that once a month. I usually prepare a devotion and stimulate discussion before. I see that as what I am supposed to do. In my mind it is for the men that join us to encourage them in their walk following Jesus or learning to follow Jesus. We ate and talked. I was more candid than usual in my words regarding me and events of the days before and unexpectedly those men ministered to me and God blessed me. It was completely unexpected and yet greatly appreciated. That was just the beginning.   
 
Here is southeast Georgia the winter weather has taken and unexpectedly cold and precipitous turn this week with ice and snow a reality in our forecast. It was three years ago one February night when we last had measurable, snow ball throwing, snowman making snow. Before that I cannot remember any measurable snowfall since 1992, when we moved here. Suffice it to say, it has been a long time. The news media began talking of it Friday evening for the following Tuesday. It is a big deal here. For those in climates that have more snow, imagine a late or early snowfall and the reaction of people losing their minds. You can kind of get it. It is an event for us, not expected.

I became concerned when they began to speak of freezing rain and ice. That will mess up a day. There is nothing to do about that except wait until it warms up and hope the power does not go out. One ice storm in Kansas City when I was in elementary school we were without power for three days.  It’s a deal. This week we had ice but not a lot and the power stayed on so we were good. That was unexpected. Oh and no snow at my house that was bummer. It was nice to sleep in a little and just be around the house Wednesday. I built a fire and did some work but mostly enjoyed. That was unexpected.

Last Sunday we saw in Jeremiah 29 that to know God’s plans is to search him out, his purposes, processes and presence.

¹² “When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen.

^13-14 “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me.

“Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree.

“I’ll turn things around for you. I’ll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you”—God’s Decree—“bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it. Jeremiah 29:12-14 The Message

 It is to actively engage God. He promises us he will be found. The Great Commission is to go or as you go share the Gospel. That is where we experience God’s plans in unexpected ways. What seemed a tragedy turns to triumph. What appeared to be “the” purpose turns around to be not the only thing to be accomplished. Those who teach the Word recognize they learn so much more than their students. The teacher is taught more in the preparation than the student during the lesson. On the other hand, the student often becomes the teacher by learning and applying the taught material. It is so common it should be expected but it’s not. It’s always unexpected and delightful.

That’s how God is. About the time we believe we have him “figured out” he does the unexpected. It is so common we should expect it…but we don’t. That is the delight in it a surprise everyday.        

 

In HIS Service and Yours,

BroG