ANTICIPATE THE UNEXPECTED! by Ray Eddy

The unexpected is often ushered in by the phrase, ‘Surprise!’ Most of the time surprises come at expected times, that is at weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, etc. At these times, surprises are anticipated and welcomed. They bring feelings of joy and gladness.

When the surprises come at an unexpected time they may be good or they may be bad -- most of the time they are bad. Here are some examples of unexpected surprises which are un-anticipated and un-welcome:

“Honey, the dog bit the mailman today!”
“Honey, there’s a man on the phone from the I.R.S!”
“Honey, that wasn’t hash you ate, that was Alpo!”
“Honey, I’m home. I got laid off today!”
“Honey, the Bank statement came, we’re overdrawn!”
“Honey, I got a speeding ticket today!”
“Honey, our daughter says she has to get married!”
“Honey, did you forget to pay the Electric Co?”
“Honey, wake up. The alarm didn’t go off!”

Surprises like these bring feelings of gloom and despair. But, if we anticipate these kinds of unexpected surprises by being prepared mentally and spiritually, we will be better able to cope with them. There are some who say that religion is nothing but a crutch, but only a fool would try to walk with a broken leg. God invites us to rely on him in times of ‘unexpected surprises.’ Psalm 46:1 declares, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in the day of trouble.”

Anticipate the unexpected and trust God!