Expecting the Unexpected

At some point in life we all learn to expect the unexpected. We never know what a day will hold. Isn’t that what the Bible talks about in the very practical book of James? Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:13-15, NIV).

We are often caught off guard if we think we can plan everything we will do. I learned that again last week when my husband suddenly ended up in the hospital. It was the result of low blood pressure, low oxygen level, weakness, and a fever. Nothing catastrophic, just an exaggerated form of his usual problems. But our schedule got interrupted, and we were thrust hard into trusting the Lord. Actually, that’s not a bad place to be, is it?

I’m thankful that Conrad is home now and improving daily. And I’m thankful for the Lord’s faithfulness to us in the everyday routines and interrupted routines. His Word bolsters our faith and feeds our souls. Are you living there? In that place of complete dependency on Him? Then the unexpected won’t throw you for a loop. Hang in there. He’s still in control. Nothing surprises Him. Just because the unexpected challenges us doesn’t mean we need to panic, does it?

I’m reminded of a simple verse that we used to teach our children: Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7 NKJV). The J. B. Phillips version puts it this way: You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon him, for you are his personal concern. How’s that for a word of comfort in the midst of an unexpected situation?