Missed Expectations

Easter Sunday.  The day the resurrection of Jesus Christ is celebrated.  It is special.  It is a big deal.  Christ-followers everywhere celebrate.  People who go to church twice a year typically go on this celebration day.  And, for those of us in ministry, it is one of two celebratory days we NEVER want to miss.

However, this past Easter Sunday, I was not celebrating victory over death with others.  I wasn’t up at the crack of dawn praying for the hearts of those who would enter churches around the world.  I wasn’t even praying for my church family at First Christian.  Instead, I was dragging my sick self out of bed just long enough to get the kids dressed and out the door with their Grandfather.

High fevers, body aches, and piercing stomach pains had been my lot for 48 hours.  Taking 15 minutes to get the children ready had extracted what bit of strength I had gained from finally getting a good night of rest.  So, I crawled back into bed, pulled up the blankets, and cried.  

And while the look and smell of my sick self was enough to draw anyone to tears, my tears flowed from a yearning heart.  You see, this Easter Sunday not only celebrated the hope I have in Jesus Christ as my Savior, but it also marked the end of a 40 day fast.     

I had never undertaken a 40 day fast and Easter Sunday was the grand finale.  I had great expectations of what the day would hold.  I was anticipating the greatest day of worship I had ever experienced...  the most amazing Word I had ever heard...  and the most special day of my life.  And, I assumed it would all happen while worshipping my risen Savior with others.

But, God had another way.  His plan was to meet with me when I was sick, gross, and so very desperate for Him.  It was special.  It was powerful.   And, I’m beyond grateful He made me low that day so I could be lifted up according to His plans.  

When was the last time your expectations were not met?  The last time you had a major disappointment?  When did you last have an amazing plan that fell apart?  Do you realized it will happen again?  

May you be encouraged with God’s words spoken through the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 55:8-9,   

  “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

       neither are your ways my ways,”

   declares the Lord.

    “As the heavens are higher than the earth,

      so are my ways higher than your ways

       and my thoughts than your thoughts.“ (NIV)

God has a plan.  He has a way.  And, even when it is difficult, heartbreaking, or confusing, He is close to us leading the way.  

* * *

Forgive me Father for looking through the lens of what “is not” rather than all that “is” in my life.  You are unfolding Your plans.  You give me gracious glimmers when I cannot see.  You show Your hand in Your perfect timing.  You are doing Your work.  Your ways are higher...  greater...  better.  Thank you for resetting my sight.  

* * *

My Child,

Do you feel the wind?  Look out the window and see.  Do you see how it is still one moment and then blows with great might and power the next?  You cannot predict the stillness or the gusts.  And, you cannot predict My movement either.  

You are growing weary from the wait.  I see it.  But it is in the wait that I am preparing you for what is yet to come.  Be content with the stillness, Child.  Be content in the gust.  Both are in My control.  Both are directed by Me.  

I am the Lord your God who teaches you what is best for you and who directs you in the way you should go.  I make known the end from the beginning...  what happened long ago and what is yet to come.  My purpose will stand.  (Isaiah 40:29, 43:19, 46:10, 48:17; Psalm 135:6-8)

The Director of Your Life