Why am I surprised, again?

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Is. 55:8-9

There are certain lessons in life I learn and re-learn over the years. I can almost picture the Lord saying to Himself, “She still hasn’t gotten it. Let’s keep working. We get to go around the mountain on that one again.” There are lessons in patience I’m revisiting along with the lesson of holding my tongue (will I ever get that one?). I need to learn more about what respecting my husband looks like. There are many more on the list.

One lesson in particular I have been revisiting over the last year:

Life is not predictable. Ever. God is the Author of my story and He’s in control.

This may seem so very basic but when it comes down to it, if I’m honest, I have a way that I think my life should go and I—most of the time—hope God agrees with my plan. My default plan has a lot to do with my comfort and security and a lot of pain-free living with a good dose of fun and joy thrown in. I have subconscious expectations that honestly have nothing to do with what Scripture promises.

The Bible tells us repeatedly to “not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). That’s just it. I DO think something strange is happening to me when I face a trial.

I’ve been surprised many times by what the Lord has allowed in my life—infertility, work uncertainties with my husband, our son’s medical diagnosis and surgeries, two house floods in a year.

BUT GOD. I am learning that while I might be surprised, HE isn’t. I am learning the provision of grace He promises in the midst of these trials is REAL. I’m learning these “detours” in my mind are a part of His plan to draw me to Himself. I’m learning there are lessons I can grasp only through pain. I’m learning His power is made perfect in my weakness.

I’m humbled again that my finite little self thinks I know what is best while my sovereign, faithful Father has so much more in store for me.

So while I might kick and scream initially at the regular “surprises” the Lord allows, I’m so thankful for His sovereign control and His good purposes in everything .

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10).

~Courtney

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