More from Monica A. Andermann

In today’s devotion, I wrote about God’s surprises, the events that happen when God takes what at first appears to be misfortune and works it for our good. I love these surprises and especially love witnessing their outcomes to both believers and those who may doubt. Lately, those around me have been experiencing a tidal wave of surprises: a newlywed became suddenly widowed; a mother learned of her child’s struggle with addiction; a close relative received a cancer diagnosis, and just this morning I received the news that another loved one—a young mother awaiting an organ transplant—was hospitalized due to an additional health crisis. I could pray all day . . . and I do. Each morning, I take a moment to sit still with God and ask how I can best serve. Sometimes I’m led to do nothing more than recite the Lord’s Prayer on someone’s behalf. Other times, I’ll spend the entirety of my evening walk in prayer over various issues. And some days, a phone call, card, text or email are in order. Sometimes, it’s clear a bag of groceries or a warm meal are what’s needed, while just earlier this week I was led to share a small angel figurine and a copy of The Upper Room with a cousin who is facing some tough trials. She was very thankful for both.

Often, I must remind myself of a passage from 1 Corinthians: “Now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (13:12, NIV). I don’t know what outcome God has planned for the surprises that have visited my friends and family members. My human sight is limited in this regard. But I do know that these folks become stronger in their trials, more peaceful in their circumstances, and encouraged when I uplift them in prayer and Christian care. So I will continue day by day and wait in faithful expectation for God’s perfect workings.

“My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your 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” (Isa. 55:8-9).