Tag: surprised

A Test? Surprise!

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12 (ESV)

Do you find yourself surprised when our faith seems to be tested?

Really, are you ever surprised?

I am and I’m guessing you are, too.

But stop and think about something: Jesus allows trials to refine us.

To make us stronger. Finer. More solid.

Doesn’t that sound like a positive outcome?

Let’s flip it to the other side. The dark side.

Does the devil want to cancel you?

100%. If he can cancel you, you’re done. Finished. Don’t matter no more.

If the devil can succeed at tempting you to give up, he wins.

If you pass the test of faith from God, you win. And so does God.

Either way, it really doesn’t matter why you are entering a trial of whatever it is.

Matters how you come out on the other side.

Take God’s wisdom, love, grace, and mercy with you on the way.

Your maturing will enable you to face the next test with some of the answers.

After all, you’ll have one more detail of your life under your belt. A detail God orchestrated in your life.

Expect trials and tests. You’ve got the answers, so sit down and pass. With God’s help you will faithfully pass each time.

Photos by Ben White, Siora Photography, & David Pennington on Unsplash

Surprised

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 1 John 5:14

Why are we surprised when God breaks through?

God promises to be completely faithful – with His faithfulness comes amazing breakthrough and change.

So why are we continually surprised?

Lack of faith?  Maybe.

Caught off guard?  Maybe.

We never know when God will answer our prayers.

We must be ready to meet Him when He slips into the room or comes with thunderous applause.

Expect it.

But wait patiently for His precious timing which is perfect.

Remember how He is in the details?

Those details can surprise us.

A little present from God falls into our lap and a smile creeps along our face.  We’re suddenly reminded how God promised to show up.

Sometimes God comes with a bold answer.  Spoken to your face from the least likely person.

That’s when you know it’s powerfully God.

Those times can knock a person off their feet.

Breathless.

I love answers to prayer.  We all do.

It’s closure.  Peace.

Knowing what God expects of us.

Demands of us.

Wants for us.

The timing may surprise us, but we shouldn’t be surprised God actually answered our prayers.

How do we get there?

How do we find those answers?   We don’t.

God comes when He ordains the time.

We can’t rush life.  Or God.

I know, it’s hard.  Painful, really, not to be in charge.

We must daily submit to God’s will and in that act we will find His peace flooding our precious soul.

Look for the details.

Those remind you God is working.

Then when He shows up in a powerful answer to prayer, you won’t be as surprised.

Look for Him every day.

He’s here.

Everywhere.

Photos by Anita Austvika, Roberta Sorge, & Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash