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“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went out to a place he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he was going.” Hebrews 11:8 (HCSB)

Surprises can be a wonderful thing! Just recently sprang one on my husband for his birthday. Priceless to see the joy of discovering an unknown special trip. What he didn’t know, I was fully aware of. All the details he would have loved to have, I already had planned out. I knew exactly where we were going….he did not. That is the element of surprise, and I loved every minute of leading him to our destination. Mission accomplished.

Much easier to be the one in control, the one who sees and knows where we’re headed than sitting in the seat of one who is along for the ride. Probably the exact reason I love surprising others but cower at the thought of being surprised myself.

Sounds a lot like faith doesn’t it? We place our faith in One who we have never seen visibly with our eyes. We trust in One who leads and guides us towards purposes we often don’t understand. We chose surrender over knowing and acceptance over fear because we know the heart of the One in control.

Doesn’t make it easier…definitely challenges even the strongest believer in moments of surprise happenings. How will God ever get glory out of this we wonder? Where will this take us? Is there any purpose in this? Questions love to loom large when we can’t see ahead. And if we’re not careful those moments will zero us in on what we don’t know rather than what we do.

Best solution – embrace what we do know. Take the step God is already showing us and trust Him with all the rest. It’s exactly what Abraham did. He left his home and family to journey to a destination unknown to him. It’s exactly what Noah did. He built an ark without an idea of what rain looked like. It’s exactly what twelve men did. The disciples left everything and followed Jesus for the journey of a lifetime.

Yes, surprises can catch us off guard. But nothing is unknown to our God. He knows our story from start to finish and the best part is we are not journeying alone. God is with us each step of the way.

“Father, Your surprises are a wonderful thing because they position us to be more like You. Help us to zero in on Your faithfulness and accept the unveiling of your plan one step at a time.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life