‍His Unexpected Ways

‍“As the father has loved me, so have I loved you.

‍Now remain in my love.”

‍John 15:9 NIV

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‍“The voice of the LORD is over the waters;

‍the God of glory thunders.”

‍Psalm: 29:1 NIV

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‍     Jesus loves you just as the Father loves him. God’s love is magnanimous. It is also attentive to detail and, at times, comes with a touch of frivolity.

‍     Sorely in need of encouragement, Holly needed an afternoon escape. As an impromptu getaway, she drove to the national park nearby. Filled with hiking trails and natural waterfalls, this was the perfect place to regather her thoughts and brighten her mood.

‍     Late spring and a beautiful day! Holly hiked up a rocky hill to finally rest on a large, flat stone she discovered. For a rare moment, concerns lifted, and her mind eased into the peace of her surroundings. Peering over the rocky cliff, the rushing river current roared thorough the narrow gorge below. The sound and fury of its foaming turbulence smashed against massive boulders lining the riverbank. At times, she saw an occasional kayaker navigating the passage through the splashing whitewater.

‍     Such a vivid reminder of the God who guides us through life’s turbulence. The prophet Ezekiel captured it well. “I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters, and the land was radiant with his glory” (Ezekiel 43:2 NIV). With her thoughts in freefall, Holly prayed, Lord, thank you for the beauty of your creation. But right now, I feel a great need to feel cherished!

‍     As Holly pondered the challenges in her life, suddenly, a large golden retriever bounded up the rocky hill to find the outstretched hand of a dog lover. Whose dog is this? Holly’s eyes scanned the surrounding area, then turned her attention to stroking the velvety snout of her furry visitor. So sweet and friendly! The brush of his tail wagged furiously as he snuggled and licked and literally seemed to smile. It was like a gift burrowing into the moment, spontaneous and even absurd. Holly laughed at the Lord’s sense of humor. Indeed, this was a God-incidence! Thank you, Lord. I receive your tangible expression of love! I know you are thinking about me, and you cherish me. In the distance, was the voice of a dog owner calling her pet. But God had made his point.

‍     Are you discouraged a bit? Ask Jesus to minister the encouragement he’s tailored just for you. He will! Look for it. Recognize it. Enjoy it.

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‍Father, thank you that your spirit is always with me, always at my point of need.

‍

‍Reflection

‍Share a God-surprise you have had. A tiny pop of beauty on a dreary day, an unexpected call from an old friend, an affirmation about something you had doubted.

‍His Unexpected Ways

‍“As the father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.”

‍John 15:9 NIV

‍

‍The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders.”

‍Psalm: 3 NIV

‍

‍     Jesus loves you just as the Father loves him. God’s love is magnanimous. It is also attentive to detail and, at times, comes with a touch of frivolity.

‍     Sorely in need of encouragement, Holly needed an afternoon escape. As an impromptu getaway, she drove to the national park nearby. Filled with hiking trails and natural waterfalls, this was the perfect place to regather her thoughts and brighten her mood.

‍     Late spring and a beautiful day! Holly hiked up a rocky hill to finally rest on a large, flat stone she discovered. For a rare moment, concerns lifted, and her mind eased into the peace of her surroundings. Peering over the rocky cliff, the rushing river current roared thorough the narrow gorge below. The sound and fury of its foaming turbulence smashed against massive boulders lining the riverbank. At times, she saw an occasional kayaker navigating the passage through the splashing whitewater.

‍     Such a vivid reminder of the God who guides us through life’s turbulence. The prophet Ezekiel captured it well. “I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters, and the land was radiant with his glory” (Ezekiel 43:2 NIV). With her thoughts in freefall, Holly prayed, Lord, thank you for the beauty of your creation. But right now, I feel a great need to feel cherished!

‍     As Holly pondered the challenges in her life, suddenly, a large golden retriever bounded up the rocky hill to find the outstretched hand of a dog lover. Whose dog is this? Holly’s eyes scanned the surrounding area, then turned her attention to stroking the velvety snout of her furry visitor. So sweet and friendly! The brush of his tail wagged furiously as he snuggled and licked and literally seemed to smile. It was like a gift burrowing into the moment, spontaneous and even absurd. Holly laughed at the Lord’s sense of humor. Indeed, this was a God-incidence! Thank you, Lord. I receive your tangible expression of love! I know you are thinking about me, and you cherish me. In the distance, was the voice of a dog owner calling her pet. But God had made his point.

‍     Are you discouraged a bit? Ask Jesus to minister the encouragement he’s tailored just for you. He will! Look for it. Recognize it. Enjoy it.

‍

‍Father, thank you that your spirit is always with me, always at my point of need.

‍

‍Share a God-surprise you have had. A tiny pop of beauty on a dreary day, an unexpected call from an old friend, an affirmation about something you had doubted.