Expect the Unexpected

     Life happens.  We have all heard that and experienced it.  At times, however, it can be discouraging especially when you have plans for a special day.  This past Sunday, my husband and I were headed for a wonderful day of celebrating his birthday with our son and his family.  We were also going to attend a production of "Mary Poppins" in which our grandson had a major role.  All seemed well as we headed down the highway when I started to experience some chest pain.  This is the second time this has happened to me in the last couple of years so I was concerned.  I told my husband about it, and we had to abort our plans.  I ended up in the hospital for two days for testing but thankfully, everything turned out okay.

Our grandson Aiden

     At first, all I could think about was how I had spoiled my husband's birthday and disappointed my grandson, but as my husband reminded me, I had to take care of my health.  Certainly, we cannot predict when something is going to happen especially in the time in which we live.  No one plans to be sick, have an accident or lose their job.  Life in this fallen world is anything but perfect.  Yet God works through every circumstance we find ourselves in and in the end, brings good out of what Satan means for evil.  Romans 8:28 says:  "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them who are the called according to His purpose."   So how did God work things together for good in this situation?
     First, I had several opportunities to pray with different people in the hospital.  A nurse on duty at night was in terrible pain and was trying to work until her relief nurse came.  She kept telling me how sorry she was that she was in pain.  I looked at her and asked if she would like to pray.  She agreed and we had precious time with the Lord.  I had a chance to pray with my husband, my son and another nurse.  Talk about a prayer meeting!  It is easy to see God's hand in all things if we will just pay attention.
     Looking back, I remember my Great Aunt Mildred Eitzman going around our local hospital cheering other patients up and praying with them even as she battled breast cancer.  She always had a smile on her face.  It was a lesson in courage and commitment despite her circumstances.  God used her till the end of her journey here.  In each of our lives, I am certain we know someone who has faced a giant and won the battle through Christ.  This is what we must recall when the unexpected happens.
     Because we face these events in life, we need to lean into the arms of the Lord and trust in His sovereignty.  He has us in His grip and He will never change or let go.  This morning I read in Psalm 32:7:  "You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance."  This is an example of David's trust in God.  When trouble came into his life, he ran to the Lord not away from Him.  We need to do the same.
     Another verse that gives us confidence in the grace and mercy of the Lord is found in Jeremiah 29:11:  "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."  Before we are even born, God knows us intimately and formed us for His purpose and plan.  As we walk each day, we need to remember this truth.  All those little detours in our life can be an opportunity to serve and live for Him.
     If we live expecting the unexpected, we will not be surprised when something comes at us "out of the blue".  Our comfort and strength can be found in the Lord who helps us walk through those times when things do not go as planned.  Remember that it is God who supplies us with all we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).  Trust in Him who is able to do far more for us than we are able to do for ourselves.  Selah!