Are you expecting the unexpected? Bronlynn reminds us how pain is a tool to do this.
“The Lord of hosts has sworn saying, ‘Surely just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand’, (Isaiah 14:24).
A friend of mind sent me a picture she took on a vacation of some camels walking along an ocean shore. I was quite surprised to see camels by a sea of water rather than sand! The picture made me smile. Life is full of the unexpected, and those of us with pain and illness know this truth quite well.
One day I may feel fine doing an activity and the next day it may cause pain and setbacks. Other times I’m surprised at what doesn’t cause issues.
The day before we left on a recent trip I was punching out shapes of paper for cards. I was sitting on the floor and my position triggered bad back pain. Who would have thought something so simple could cause such problems? But, praise God, I was still able to take the trip.
Then on the way home I fell. My last fall caused some serious flare-ups with my back requiring physical therapy, so I was very concerned about this fall. But, praise God again, I had no bad aftereffects. Why was it that punching paper caused such repercussions and a serious fall did not? I never know what to expect, but I am learning to start expecting the unexpected.
Life in general is full of the unexpected. But if we allow it, living with chronic pain and illness can teach us to be more flexible and see the good amidst the bad. When we are faced with unexpected negatives in life, we have the assurance of knowing that God is not taken by surprise.
He has a sovereign plan for each of us. The negatives are accomplishing His divine purposes in our lives, and we can cling to that truth during our hardest disappointments. Perhaps through one of those hard times, God will unexpectedly move us from the desert to the ocean, and if not, He will provide an oasis when we need it.
Prayer: O Lord, as I face the unexpected things that pain and problems bring, how thankful I am that nothing is unexpected to You. Teach me to adapt to the surprises, trusting in Your plan for my days. Amen.
About the author:
Bronlynn Spindler lives in VA and is blessed to have the support and encouragement of a wonderful husband and three grown daughters. God’s grace and strength have brought her through thyroid cancer and continue to sustain her through ongoing back pain, depression, headaches, multiple sensitivities, eye pain, and fibromyalgia. You may view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com.
Through the unexpected negatives of your pain, are you able to trust that God has a plan and is in control? Has God moved you out of the desert or provided an oasis of some sort to sustain you through it? Are you expecting the unexpected in life?
I recall seeing this video for the first time and bawling, so when Bronlynn wrote this devotional on expecting the unexpected, I knew I had an opportunity to share it with you. A mom shares, “When my husband left on his deployment, our 6-year-old son could not walk on his own. He has cerebral palsy. Doctors originally said that he would never walk or do much of anything. While daddy was away, he learned to walk. For his homecoming, we set it up for Michael to walk to his daddy for the first time ever! We kept the fact that he could walk a secret the whole time his dad was gone.” I hope it inspires you. Grab a tissue! -Lisa
How true this is Bronlynn. You captured it exactly! “Expecting the unexpected” is my daily experience too now…much more so since I’ve become ill! God sure isn’t boring….huh! Love those “oasis” moments, often when I least expect them, as you say. Thanks heaps. Blessings. Lotsoluv Kerryn
This is just what I needed today! Your words went straight to my heart and I am going to memorize that Bible verse. Thank you for your beautiful insight that God is accomplishing His purpose in us and is never taken by surprise. Wow! That is so strengthening! Thank you, Karen
It is true that it does. But there is always something good and something to be thankful for in the mist of it. God can certainly use those times.
Bronlynn….thank you so much for this devotional. You wrote it just as I see it as well. The grace of God is with us each and every day! Love, Jean
Bronlynn, this is quite the photo. I was working on a crossword puzzle today that had this clue: “Desert animal”. But did I think of camel, the correct answer? No. I think I was way off.
I did have an exciting encounter with a camel at a petting zoo this summer. We were feeding it popcorn and it’s mouth was surprisingly soft.
It’s so encouraging to know that we don’t need to fear the surprises, even painful ones, that come into our lives. God is perfectly prepared to see us through those times.
Your devotional was encouraging. I also appreciated the comments thus far.This is such a neat way to lift one another up spiritually.
Bronlynn, you share good reminders with us to keep our focus on the One leading us beside waters or in the deserts of our life.
With our differing challenges, the unexpected is a daily “expectation” – so to speak. Our only true oasis is God and our choice to trust that He knows the way He is leading us.
Thanks for a great devotional!
Love,
Lynn
Thank you to each of you for your comments – you all bless me and it is always a joy to know that God uses the words He gives to encourage others! Hopefully we are now prepared for whatever unexpectedness comes into our lives this week, and the next, and the next
Beth, the photo was actually taken by another Rest Ministries writer – Fiona Burrows. I meant to acknowledge her as the photographer but forgot – but she got a great photo!
Blessings,
Bronlynn
Cool photo…..thanks Fiona…..made me smile! Lotsoluv Kerryn