The Unexpected

As much as we can predict and plan for life, we never know how things are going to play out. We see this all the time in sports. That’s probably one of the reasons that sports are so great—they’re completely unpredictable.

What a great metaphor for life, too. It’s the same way. How many times are we taken by surprise in a day? From little things like unexpected phone calls or traffic jams, to big, life-altering bombshells like deaths and natural disasters. We just never know what’s coming.

That is why it’s so important to trust the only One who does know what lies ahead and who has planned for it accordingly. Our great and mighty God has ordained each of our days—past, present, and future—and has equipped us to handle every challenge that comes our way. In the familiar verse Jeremiah 29:11 the Lord says, “For I know the plans I have for you . . . plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Isn’t it a relief to know that no matter what happens today, tomorrow, or even next year, that God already knows about it and has a plan? He knows about your season, your practices, wins and losses. Before the beginning of time He saw your injury, your rehabilitation, your school transfer or the new coach. And when we understand that, we become free to walk in confidence and security knowing that nothing will come our way that, with our Father, we cannot handle.