Surprise

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:2

Have you ever planned a surprise party of any kind?  If you have then you know what it is like to be in charge of every detail and keeping it from the party girl/boy.  Typically, it is a lot of work.  There are many secrets and the choice to trust only a few in order to help you carry out the play.   After all the work, the payoff is worth it.  The moment when the unsuspecting one comes through the door to a room full of "surprise" brings so many fulfillments to the host of the party.  To feel the sense of accomplishment when the plan comes together is satisfying and rewarding. 

Then you have the other side to the coin.   Before that great surprise comes, you experience the feelings of being "out of the loop".  You sense that something is going on because there are whispers and silence when you approach.  You know something is up but you just cannot put your finger on it.  You know that feeling?  Then suddenly you walk into a room and everything clicks.  All the pieces fall into place and you realize that John was not mad at you or Sue was not talking about you behind your back.  Being on the receiving end of the surprise and feeling loved by those around you. All is right in the world.

God is much like that surprise party host.  He works and rearranges events, places and people in order for everything in our lives to play out just the way in which He ordained it to happen.  Through this, our lives will bring Him great glory.  It may leave us walking through life wondering why things feel off or out of place.

We are not meant to see every detail and every move that God makes.  It just would not make sense if we did. If we knew every move that God made in our life, there would be no need for faith.  We would have no reason to trust God and no reason to give Him all the glory and praise in the end.   

I would much rather walk through life and experiences His surprises.  I would rather wonder what is going to happen next and expect Him to move than to see the map before me.  I have learned to walk with Him and wait for all the pieces of His plan come together.  It is only then that I am able completely to experience His blessing.  It is only then that there is no doubt of His place in my life and He ultimately receives all the glory!