Surprised by God

I love surprises. Do you love surprises?

If I know someone is planning something special for me, I close my eyes, plug my ears, and sing so that I don’t find out what they are up to. I don’t eavesdrop or snoop to discover out what I am receiving for Christmas either. In fact, I am pretty bummed when I know what’s coming.

I want God to surprise me too!

The Bible says

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us. — Ephesians 3:20

I have no idea what God has in store for my life or my family. I can’t possibly know everything that I need to ask of Him. I have wasted plenty of time trying to figure it out, to control it, and plan for it. (I see you nodding your head “Amen, sister.”) But as I get to know the heart of God, I’ve learned that He might have something in mind, that in my limited thinking, I would never dream of.

When I first had the desire to write, I had no idea where it would lead. I never imagined that I would create an online community where Christian women could connect. I certainly didn’t know it would lead to live events and eventually a podcast. Back then, I craved community and felt hopeless in finding it. I have since developed rich relationships with women I’ve met at conferences, through social media, and in my real life neighborhood.

When I am tempted to be discontent or control my circumstances, I can remind myself of what God has done in my life.

God has surprised me over and over again! I bet if you look back over your life you could tell a great story of God-surprises, too.

In the new FaithGirlz book Hello Stars by Alena Pitts, God surprises Lena. Lena is like many other 12-year-old girls at her school, and she is captivated with Mallory Winston, a popular Christian singer. The closest she gets to Mallory is hearing her friend Savannah talk about the recent concert she attended. That is until Fenway Production company hosts a contest to cast a young actress to star along side Mallory in an upcoming movie. Although Lena is more excited about meeting Mallory then she is about being an actress, she still enters the contest. From then on in, it’s a whirlwind. She soon discovers that God may have more in store for her then she could ever think or imagine.

With the support and her encouragement of her family, as well as her foundation in God’s Word, Lena embraces the plan God has for her summer even though it is not what she originally had in mind.

This story has encouraged me and my daughters to hold the plans we have for ourselves with an open hand and trust God to surprise us.

Dear Lord, Only You know the plans You have for me. I know that they are plans to prosper me and not to harm me but I don’t know the details. I don’t want my limited imagination to prevent You from working in my life. I bring my ideas before You and ask that Your will be done in my life. Surprise me!

Watch the video to learn more…

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Your Turn

What about you? Are you willing to take the risk, relinquish control, and ask God to surprise you?