#wtsdevo theunexpected

Expect God to be God (#wtsdevo theunexpected)

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

If you get disappointed enough your expectations will undoubtedly change. But there's a grave difference between expecting the worst and changing perspective. It all depends on what our eyes are fixed upon.

There's a freedom that comes when we can understand God’s sovereignty. Because all of my expectations can be placed in the hands of the only perfect, all-knowing Being that exists.

Flawed people will fail us. Bad things will happen to us. We should expect that and not be surprised at that (1 Peter 4:12). Rather than react to unmet expectations, let's fight to put every ounce of our expectations in Almighty God. He cannot fail and He never wastes a single moment to be anything other than for our good.

____________________________________________

Devotional Series: The Unexpected (#wtsdevo theunexpected)

The Master of Tomorrow (#wtsdevo unexpectedways)

“...yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." -James 4:14‭-‬15

I can go about as far as my finite little mind will take me. I can study, I can research, I can organize, I can plan and I can fare quite well for myself by most standards. We can use probability, find patterns and algorithms to make out surest predictions.

We've also been given common sense to problem solve and help discern the difference between good and bad judgment. Yet all the above is as good as chance when it comes to our future--even our tomorrow.

We can plan a trip months ahead and on the trip to the airport not know the fate that's waiting around the corner. God is God. And we assume His position every time we plan our future without Him (Proverbs 16:9). Because nothing happens that He doesn't will to happen.

He knows. I do not. Say that with me. Repeat it if you'd like. And the moment we come to terms with that reality will be that burden removed. God is limitless in His capacity. He can do both the greatest good beyond what we could ever imagine or cause the most horrific tragedy in the next millisecond. Either is unbeknownst to us. Either is for His purpose and our good.

____________________________________________

Devotional Series: The Unexpected (#wtsdevo theunexpected)

Strange Love (#wtsdevo theunexpected)

It feels like we’ve been groomed to expect bad news if we wilfully go out of our way and end up doing something that the rest of the world thinks a hassle or an inconvenience. This can go both ways but to explain the meaning behind that thought, have a closer look at the parables of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7) and the lost son (Luke 15:11-24). Now had that probably happened today, both the sheep and the son would’ve gotten a good spanking and the “I-told-you-so” reaction. But what we see and read here in both of these parables is something unexpected.

There’s joy and praise in finding what has once been lost. There isn’t any judgement, no lecturing, no anger or frustration. Simply joy and gladness.

This sort of reaction may seem alien to us but this is how the Kingdom of Heaven works. In its unexpected ways and workings, we can truly find rest, peace and acceptance in the Lord. This is precisely why seeking answers and comfort from the world won’t get us any anywhere because it operates within the bounds of our minds, thoughts, emotions and flesh. Whereas the Kingdom of God is vastly different because it doesn’t have any boundaries whatsoever to work on. It is eternal and therefore unexpected and mysterious.

Yet in this unexpected gift given to us by God Himself, we can find all of the answers that we seek as we take on this journey in pursuit of Christ.

____________________________________________

Devotional Series: The Unexpected (#wtsdevo theunexpected)