God's Plans Should Never Be Surprising

March 4, 2001
As children, my cousins and I liked to play "church." I always wanted to be the preacher but I never had that role. I had a cousin who was larger and stronger than I. After we slugged it out, I was reduced to song leader. I retaliated by leading my favorite song that, I thought, went "....when we all get to heaven, what a day of 'surprises' that will be."

The word should have been "rejoicing." I believe we don't have to wait until heaven to enjoy God's surprises. I have come to know that God's unexpected blessings are those daily surprises that bless our souls. Some of mine are a note of cheer from a friend, a long distance phone call just to encourage or meeting a former student who still remembers me. God sends daily blessings to encourage and inspire all of us.

In times of conflict it is easy to forget those wonderful daily surprises. I sometimes become overwhelmed by existing circumstances. All I have to do is pray. People of faith believe that God answers prayer, so why am I surprised when He answers? I am and should be thankful!

We discovered a plumbing leak under our house. I had many anxious thoughts of having to tear up the floor or live in a tent in the backyard until the plumbing was fixed. We simply prayed. (Why didn't I do that first?) God sent a caring plumber who evaluated the situation and it was no big deal. Why are we so surprised when God answers prayer? It is then I think to myself: "O ye of little faith!" I repent and resolve to do better.

God is not surprised by anything. He knows what is before, during and after. He wants faith filled people... people who walk by faith and live by faith. Faith is the victory. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is filled with those champions of faith, who were still living by faith when they died.

They admitted that they were just travelers in a temporary journey on earth. They were looking for a heavenly Kingdom, one that lasts forever. Their faith sustained them in the most trying circumstances. They did not let adversity surprise them, but held to the promises of God with great tenacity, courage and faith.

I once heard someone say "I had rather walk with God in the dark than to walk without Him in the light." Look for God's wonderful surprises. Appreciate and thank Him.

God is the same "yesterday, today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8) He is mindful of you and me. He knows our frailties. I feel ashamed when my faith grows weak. That is when I run to Him all the more. Is not a God who made this universe big enough to bear my burdens and solve my problems?

Our situation does not surprise Him. He is bigger than all our cares and difficulties. I read about a lady who gave her problems to the Lord every night. She said, "He's going to be up all night anyway." So we can relax. We can be happy. Our trust is in Him. In the meantime, don't forget to enjoy those daily blessings.

Now I rejoice each day in addition to singing "when we all get to heaven, what a day of 'rejoicing' that will be!"