God of the unexpected

Mary said: “My soul praises the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Luke 1:46-47 (NIV)

            These past couple of years have brought about a lot of unexpecteds; my mother’s passing, my husband’s sudden illness which entailed three surgeries and weeks in the hospital and rehab center, a sudden move, the Covid-19 pandemic, and my father’s death. I wish I could say I took all these unexpecteds in stride, but truth is, I struggled. These life-changing events generated a lot of questions and a lot of tears.

            Most of us experience unexpected setbacks at some time or another. Whether it be our schedule, our health or a loved one’s health, our finances, relationships, a personal loss, or raising a child with special needs, these ‘unexpecteds’ touch us in some way or another.

            Mary knew all about the unexpected; an unexpected visit from an angel, an unexpected and unusual pregnancy, an unexpected conversation with the man to whom she was engaged, an unexpected reconciliation, an unexpected census, an unexpected ride to Bethlehem, an unexpected birthplace, unexpected shepherds worshipping her newborn, an unexpected visit from Wise Men, unexpected news from an angel who warned them to flee. From the moment Gabriel spoke to her, Mary’s life yielded one surprise after another.

            Yet, through it all, her response was one of quiet obedience. Her reaction to the news that she would become pregnant with the Messiah was one of humble submission and praise. My soul praises the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

            Oh, that we might have the same attitude when God’s plans capsize our own. May we face disruptions with humble acceptance. May we say, my soul praises the Lord, even when our journey is rerouted, acknowledging that God’s unexpecteds are always far better than our own feeble plans.

Thought: “Adversity is always unexpected and unwelcomed. It is an intruder and a thief, and yet in the hands of God, adversity becomes the means through which His supernatural power is demonstrated.” – Charles Stanley