Unexpected - 2008 so far...

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." James 4:14-15


How is 2008 going so far for you? Did you make any New Year resolutions -- and have you been able to keep them? Is this year going as you anticipated?

We are almost a full three weeks into the new year and I can tell you that 2008 hasn't been what I expected.

My husband's beloved grandmother passed away yesterday morning (01/20/07). I just saw her on Thanksgiving day and never expected to lose her so quickly.

I haven't had time to accomplish some tasks I specifically wanted to do this month. I expected to have plenty of free time to get these projects finished. Instead, I am barely able to keep up with the urgent priorities of my life.

I anticipated that I would continue my practice of blogging every Monday. As you can see, this is my first post of 2008 - twenty-one days into the month.

I have a feeling that you could list just as many surprises for 2008 as I can.

But, none of these unmet expectations, in my life or yours, are surprising to God.

He knew before the creation of the world that Merlene's life in heaven would begin yesterday. He knew that I still wouldn't have cleaned out my files or sorted through my books. He knows how many times I will get a chance to blog this year.

After recovering from the shock of being reminded, once again, that I am not in charge of my life, I remember that God is. When I get my expectations out of the way, He is free to work His will in my life in ways that will astound me and glorify Him.

How has 2008 surprised you? How has God reminded of you that He is ultimately in charge of your life? Feel free to leave a comment to tell me how you've encountered the unexpected this year and leave a prayer request so I and other readers can pray for you.

Heavenly Father,
I'm glad that You are really in charge of my life because You do a much better job than I ever could. Your word says that You have good plans for my life (Jeremiah 29:11) and I ask that You would remind me that even suffering is sometimes part of the good plan You have for me. Thank you for all You are doing in my life.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen