JOY IS HEREÖrnek

Joy In The Unexpected All of us have experienced the unexpected. Whether it’s a shift at work, a difficult diagnosis, or losing a loved one too soon, we’ve all been there in different ways. When the unexpected hits, we’re quick to try to protect ourselves. Some of us start relying on our own strength to get through. Some of us doubt if God has our best interests in mind. Some of us become paralyzed by fear and stop moving forward. When we think about handling the unexpected with grace, we can turn to some of Mary’s words. She’d just been told she was going to give birth to God's child. (Talk about unexpected.) Yet, instead of letting this drive her into doubt or fear, she rejoices. Nothing about her situation had changed, but she allowed her feelings of concern to become feelings of hope, her feelings of uncertainty to become confidence in her faith. She embraced joy in the middle of the unexpected. It happens once you’re willing to let go of the old mentality –– of that first, human instinct to resist –– and trust that God has you covered, even still. Jesus, Thank you for blessing and favoring me. I know that you are always working things out for a greater plan and purpose. Help me to see my situation, whether expected or unexpected, from your perspective. Help me to rest in the truth that the promises you have for my life will come to pass. In Jesus’ name, Amen.