Expect the Unexpected

How many times have you heard the words, "Expect the unexpected"? Sometimes, the unexpected can be exciting but at other times the unexpected can be frightening. Receiving a surprise gift or party; a card of encouragement or love from a friend are just some examples of the exciting unexpected things, but if you are like me, then you are a planner. I like to know every detail, when it will happen; how it will happen and what the results will be.  If everything goes as planned, then I am elated, if I am thrown an unexpected curve ball it can send me into a frenzy. These unexpected things can cause me major anxiety and worry. I want everything to run like a well oiled machine. Wouldn't it be nice if life were like that? Ahhhhhh...everything, at all times, running smoothly without the need to adapt, overcome or improvise.

I've experienced the unexpected in just about every aspect of my life at one point or another. It has been everything from not getting out the door on time to the sudden loss of a loved one or friend.  All unexpected but not equal in severity and of course the reactions varying drastically. Or at least one would hope. 

I want to focus on just one of the many ways the unexpected can appear.  Spiritually. I'm gonna get personal here, so I hope you will indulge me. I began my walk with Jesus, on January 24, 1999. It was then that I was baptized and decided that I wanted to live a life worthy of His sacrifice. Sounded easy enough to me, I mean, really how hard could it be? Treat people nicer and they'll be nicer to me; give and it will be given back; pray and prayers will be answered; and share the gospel and surely all will follow. All green pastures and rainbows! That's what I expected, but "expect the unexpected".  Jesus wasn't kidding when he said, "Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me." Matthew 10:38

I thought the transition to a life with Christ would be easy and carefree. I wasn't expecting the unexpected that came with that transformation.  See, making a commitment to the Savior, means being willing to be refined.  Much like a lump of clay is just a lump of clay unless it is pinched and pulled, molded and fired into something beautiful, so are our lives unless we are willing to be refined according to God's purpose. 

The further I progressed in my walk, the harder the pinches and the hotter the furnace got. At first and still at times, I feel like enough is enough. Like I want to say to God, "Good grief, I've been pinched and prodded, pulled and fired so much I ought to be the next great masterpiece! Aren't you finished yet?" But the truth is I am His masterpiece and He will never be finished refining me.  In fact, God will continue to mold me into the beautiful creation He intended.  The Lord uses every trial, every heartache, every joy, and every disappointment to strengthen whatever area in my walk needs it. Just when, I am comfortable and complacent, God knows that there is work to be done in me and He begins to tweak His masterpiece and here comes the unexpected.

The unexpected, as unexpected as it is, keeps me on my toes. If my life and my walk with Jesus, were the same ole same ole, it would become stale and inferior. That's not the life that God intends for me or anyone.  So, while I may not always like the unexpected when it happens, if I trust that this is God refining me, the end result is worth the frenzy it causes me.

"We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  Ephesians 2:10

"The one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:8-9 

So while the unexpected might be unexpected for us, God knew it was coming and has it all worked out. Thank goodness!!
Until next time, I expecting the unexpected and embracing it!
God bless,
Cat