Lent Devo Day 18
On Day 18 of Lent, open your Bible and read Isaiah 46:5-13.
Did you read it? If not, do not read any further until you have read Isaiah 46:5-13.
Did you read it? Yes? Great! Did verse 9 stand out to you?
“…for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done.”
Surprise is a normal part of life for all of us. However, We do not surprise God. God is not like us. He saw our need, he planned how to meet that need, and everything happened just as he planned. Christ’s march to the cross reinforces for us that our rest and hope are not in our knowing, but in his ruling. The story of our redemption is historical proof of the unstoppable sovereignty of God.
May these words stimulate rest in the middle of surprise:
Surprised again.
Quiet conversation erupts into heated debate.
Surprised again.
Sickness interrupts well-being.
Surprised again.
A loved one is unexpectedly lost.
Surprised again.
A long-trusted leader falls.
Surprised again.
An unexpected gift alleviates need.
Surprised again.
Opportunity’s doors open wide,
Surprised again.
A sleepless night plunders rest.
Surprised again.
Sudden conflict crushes peace.
Surprised again.
An emergency alters day’s schedule.
Surprised again.
Divine provision propels a plan.
Surprised again.
Sudden mystery sows confusion.
Surprised again.
Grace proves too big to grasp.
It is the story of my life.
I am surprised again and again.
Surprised again, reminded again and again, that I am not sovereign.
I am surprised again but not afraid.
My surprise, my misguided expectation,
the mystery I live with,
my lack of control,
does not mean my world,
my life,
my present,
my future,
is out of control.
I will be surprised again and again,
But I am not afraid, because you, Lord, are incapable of being surprised.
~Paul Tripp
Reflection Questions
- Do you like surprises? What emotions do surprises evoke for you?
- When has life surprised you? When has God surprised you?
- How can a perspective on God’s sovereignty help you deal with the surprises of life? What are some things you can do to live with joy and hope amid the uncertainties of life?