Unexpected
One of my favorite Sabbath practices is to go for a long walk to look for beauty. Like a detective, I slowly and deliberately pay attention to everything I see. I seek out glimpses of God’s presence visible in his creation. Usually, I take my phone along so that I can snap candid shots of God’s glory on display.
Recently, on a warm and sunny morning, I set out on one of these walks. My mind was whirring with thoughts, concerns, and heartfelt prayer for a specific need in my life. My detective work took a back seat to the mental gymnastics going on in my head. For nearly an hour, I walked while my mind processed until, finally, it settled into a space of peace.
Once my mind calmed, I was able to focus my gaze on the beauty all around me. Big puffy white clouds dotted the deep blue sky. To my left, a creek ran along the bright green field where our cows lazily grazed in the morning sunshine. I had already walked miles while my mind wrestled with this need. Now, I was beginning the final mile of my walk that would take me back home.
I cast my gaze to the right and saw the tall green weeds and yellow wildflowers that dotted the fence line beside another cattle field. I moved closer and reached for my phone. The bold yellow blossoms were beautiful against the rich green of the weeds. I wanted to capture this in a picture, but something caught my eye.
A lone cornstalk stood tall and proud beside the wildflowers on the road side of the fence. It seemed so out of place that I smiled and took a moment to consider its’ origin. Maybe a cow had leaned over the fence to munch some of the tall weeds and a stray kernel of feed corn had fallen from its’ mouth. Maybe a bird had picked up that kernel of feed corn for breakfast but had dropped it mid-flight. Regardless of how it got there, this single stalk of corn was thriving in its’ seemingly random location.
Then I had a thought that I’m sure was inspired by the Spirit. “Bobbie, you’ve been walking and wondering and wrestling with this prayer need. Something isn’t going the way you’d like it to and you’re anxious about it. That’s ok, but here’s the thing. You’re not in control of the plan. God does the most incredible things in the most unexpected ways. He often grows beautiful things in the most unlikely of places. Trust that God has a good plan and that he is a good Father.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Psalm 33:4-5 NLT
“For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.”
2 Peter 3:9 NIV
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Romans 8:28 NIV
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
I don’t know what need you have right now or what thing you are praying for that causes your mind to anxiously spin, but I do know this…
You can release your anxiety and trust that God is in control. He has a good plan. We don’t always understand it, but we can trust that God is at work. Not only that, we see much evidence that proves that God often does the most incredible things in the most unexpected ways. Keep the faith and trust that our good God is at work, growing something good even in the most unlikely of places.
Prayer
God, thank you that we can trust that you are always at work in our lives and in this world. Thank you that we can trust in your goodness. Thank you for the reminder that you are at work, growing something good even in unlikely places. Amen.
Scripture Meditation
Psalm 33:4-5 NLT
“For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.”
Journal Reflection
Where might God be working to grow things in unexpected places? How can you lean into trusting that God is good and at work?
Practice
Think back on your life. Looking back, do you see where God worked in places and ways that surprised you? Take a moment to remember and to praise God for his faithfulness.
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