“So we want to cast it…” was all I heard the doctor say as she reviewed the x-rays of my daughter’s leg. My mind took off without warning – how would we get around? I guess we won’t do that waterpark trip… how would I bathe her? How would I keep her entertained? How am I going to do this?!
It was the week before Christmas. The week of last minute errands, Christmas parties, groceries and food prep. And now a kid in a full leg cast.
I wasn’t expecting that.
It’s a sentence we all could finish right now: I wasn’t expecting… (fill in the blank). But maybe it’s also a reality as old as the season itself. Maybe Mary felt the same as she approached what would become the first Christmas.
An ordinary, low class woman, approached by an angel. I bet she wasn’t expecting that.
Unmarried and pregnant. I bet she wasn’t expecting that.
Traveling at the end of her pregnancy.
No decent room to stay.
Birth in a stable.
Shepherd men visiting.
A king attempting to kill her son and relocating to Egypt…
I bet she wasn’t expecting any of that.
But when we read the scripture and receive the full account, we know God was. He prophesied the narrative in advance, was prepared for it to be revealed and deliberate in using it for good. God was never surprised.
He had planned for all of that.
He also planned for the day this powerful, prophesized King would hang limp, beaten and exposed on a cross. So much for his claims, the people thought.
Until three days later, the triumph no one anticipated would yield the greatest shock. The tomb was empty. Jesus walked, talked and ate among his people. And he promised, across all generations, that whoever confessed his name would also triumph the grave. Would live with him forever. Maybe that was the most unexpected invitation of all. God had planned for us.
Whatever we are carrying this season – the news we didn’t expect, the decline we didn’t anticipate, the empty seat we never wanted to see… God isn’t surprised. He has planned for that.
And God’s plans are always for good.
We might not see the whole picture, we might not understand, but our God is able to do exceedingly more than we ever ask or imagine. In all things. At all times. What seems permanent to us, what seems beyond repair – it simply isn’t threatening to our God. He is powerful over all, and he is with us as we journey.
It’s been several days since my daughter got her cast, and we are still adjusting. But already I’ve noticed something – she never hesitates to ask for help. It doesn’t matter what I am doing or where I am (truly, no regard). If she needs something, she asks. And she expects me to respond.
I wouldn’t have it any other way. And I think God would agree.
He knows we’ll be surprised by a turn of events, and we’ll need help when stretched thin or processing a new reality. How much more eager is He to be our constant help in times of need? Like an innocent five-year-old shamelessly requesting whatever she wants (truly, whatever), maybe we also can keep asking. Keep expecting. And ultimately – keep experiencing the love and kindness that our Father is so delighted to give. Praise Him, He wouldn’t have it any other way. He is planning on that.
The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
And those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. – Psalm 9:9-10
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever, Amen.
– Ephesians 3:20-21
Father,
What is man that you are mindful of him, and yet you became one like us. Praise you for your empathy, praise you for your salvation, and praise you for your promise to forever dwell among us.
Be with us in this season. May the unexpected to drive us deeper into your arms, closer to your ear, nearer to your Word. Give us eyes to see things the way you do and maturity to believe you are who you say. Keep us close to you.
You are worthy of all. Now and forever. Amen.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. – Luke 2:10-11
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