It was my husband’s birthday, and I wanted to surprise him. Before he arrived home that Friday, I’d filled the car with gas, packed special food into a cooler, and made reservations at a hotel an hour away from home. Throwing a change of clothes and toiletries into a small suitcase, I’d tucked everything we needed for an overnight trip into the back of our minivan.
When he arrived home, I took charge. I pulled a bandana from my pocket and tied it around his head, making sure he couldn’t peek under it.
“Give me your hand,” I said, leading him out the door, down three steps to the yard, and into the car. “Watch your head. Here’s your seat belt. Don’t ask so many questions.” Jumping into the driver’s seat, I started the car, backed out of the driveway, and we were on our way.
“Where are we going?” David asked for the third time. “Will I like it?”
“It’s a surprise,” I said. “Trust me.”
My reassurance was enough for him, and for the next hour he sat quietly in the seat next to me. Every now and then a smile would creep across his face. After 27 years of marriage, my husband trusted me and knew whatever I had planned for him was good.
Sometimes God interrupts my days much like I interrupted my husband’s. He stops me in my tracks, throws a blindfold over my eyes, and takes me on a journey with an uncertain destination.
“Where are we going?” I ask. “Will I like it?”
“It’s a surprise,” God says. “Trust me.”
But unlike my husband, I don’t always rest confidently and peacefully before the Lord. Sometimes I chafe, whine, or fear. Other times I argue, pout, or complain. I forget that God is for me, and the plans he has for me are good (Jer. 39:11).
John Piper explains it this way: “Life is not a straight line leading from one blessing to the next and then finally to heaven. Life is a winding and troubled road. Switchback after switchback. And the point of biblical stories like Joseph and Job and Esther and Ruth is to help us feel in our bones (not just know in our heads) that God is for us in all these strange turns. God is not just showing up after the trouble and cleaning it up. He is plotting the course and managing the troubles with far-reaching purposes for our good and for the glory of Jesus Christ.”
What uncertainty are you facing today? A relationship challenge? A financial difficulty? A work or ministry-related matter? A health issue? If you believe God is for you, you can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper. I will not fear,” (Heb.13:6).
Will you join me in taking this faith stand today? Leave a comment below so I can cheer you on.
The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chr. 16:9
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Thanks for this! My husband and I just moved so he could start a new ministry position, and it has very much felt like being blindfolded. We are certain this is where God is leading us, but not so certain about how to set up our new life here, especially with a two year old who is struggling to adjust. Thank you for the encouragement that God is always for us!
ReplyDeleteHoneabeeMama, God bless you! I am praying for you and your sweet family right now. May James 1:5 be your go to verse during this time of transition. Thanks so much for stopping by.
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