This Day Did Not Catch God by Surprise

This Day Did Not Catch God By Surprise!

 

"I'm convinced that nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus...", the Apostle Paul (Romans 8:38)

 

It has been an unsettled couple of weeks for my family. Andra's mother was diagnosed recently with breast cancer. She has had surgery and her prognosis is very good, but as so many of you know, just dealing with something like this can lead to some very deep questions about life, God, and faith. It makes us wrestle with life and how fragile it really is. The images of flood-soaked Texas have done the same for us as a country.   

 

I remember one night on the telephone with Andra's father and he said something that was powerful.  In all of the confusion, fear and sadness he was facing, he said, "Brett, I know this...today did not catch God by surprise!"  He knew that even with all of the uncertainty, he was held in the eternal embrace of God's grace and care.   

 

We too often live through the difficult events in life as if God has to play catch up, thinking we have to prompt God to action. The truth is, though, that God is out ahead of all of it. This day did not catch God by surprise. 

 

Please understand, I am not saying that God orchestrates or causes things like my mother in law's breast cancer or hurricanes that destroy lives in Texas. Why bad things happen to good people is a mystery that deserves so much more than simple answers to explain away our anxiety. What I do know is this, sun and rain will fall on both the good and the bad (Matthew 5:45). I know that God seeks and plans good and not harm for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). I know that God takes circumstances in life, even the difficult ones, and works them for good (Romans 8:28) and that nothing can separate us from the love God has for us (Romans 8:35-39).   

 

These truths together remind us that even in the fragile moments of life, there is One who holds the pieces in love and binds us together in the broken places.   

 

This day did not catch God by surprise! So go out and live without fear! 

 

Together we are the hands and feet of Jesus, 

Brett