Unexpected News
Life is full of unexpected surprises... some are good and some not so fun. I remember when I was in the hospital during Covid, I was waiting to hear those beautiful words, you can go home today. I expected a couple of days and then a trip home. One day extended t o two, and then four, and so on. In hindsight, I am very glad they didn’t release me when I wanted to go. I don’t think it would have ended well. Even in ICU, they gave me an extra day because once I transferred out, there wouldn’t have been room to return. What seems excessive at the time was needed for rest and care. I thought I was fine going home (on oxygen), but the power went off on the first night and I realized that a few days earlier, I might not have done well with it. Once home, it took a while to get my stamina going again, but I was finally ready to begin true recovery. I have visited many that have had similar experiences with different diagnosise' and obstacles, but sometimes the delay in release is what is needed. When we receive that news, it is a shock to the system, but often, over time, we recognized the wisdom in waiting. God doesn’t always give us the answers that we want. The Apostle Paul wanted to go east into Asia, but God had a different plan for him. The Apostle Paul accepted God’s plan. His ministry, by the power of the Holy Spirit, was powerful. Who knows what would have happened if he had gone east. Jonah, on the other hand tried to run away from God’s call and he faced some discipline but finally did as he was commanded and Nineveh was saved. What do you do with unexpected surprises when they are not what you had wanted or expected? Do you run like Jonah or are you obedient like the Apostle Paul? Just like the patient must wait patiently for the doctor, the therapist, or other specialist to tell them they can go home, so we, must be equally patient as we seek His face and direction. We may long to have earthly comforts, but there may be things God needs to work in us and things He has called us to accomplish that are a priority. God knows our longings better than we do, but we have been called first to serve Him. Do you pray for God’s leading? Will you stay on task serving? Father, wherever You call us to go, You also enable us to accomplish that task. Keep us focused on You and Your leading. Amen