Expect the Unexpected

It's been a crazy week. There are a thousand details to work out in beginning the Freedom Life service on Easter Sunday morning. Thank God for the wonderful group of people who are helping out. They have done so much already. It's amazing. God continues to provide opportunities and blessings through people all over the place.

As I've been reading about Moses' encounter with God in the book of Exodus, it occurs to me that we should expect the unexpected. Moses wasn't really looking to be chosen as the leader of Israels exodus from Egypt. Moses wasn't planning how he would confront Pharaoh or guide a million people from their historical home (over 400 years in Egypt) to a new land. Moses had no staff or sharp business plans. What did he have? He had a call from God.

Moses was not looking for God when God came looking for him. We all know the story. Egypt began to oppress Israel after Joseph's death and Israel's remarkable growth. Moses was spared from the killing of the male children and grew up in Pharaoh's home. He murders some Egyptians and flees for his life to Midian, where he makes a new life complete with wife, children, home, and job. Then God shows up.

There are so many things that could be said about the first few chapters of Exodus, but I only want to say one key thing. Expect the unexpected. Don't be surprised when God shows up and changes your plans. One day you're a sheep herder and family man, the next day you're the leader of a nation. One day you're a career engineer, the next day you're a minister. One day you're sitting on the same pew, in the same church, with the same lethargic attitude, the next day God sets you off on a mission adventure.

Expect the unexpected. The Christian life isn't about playing it safe, or crossing all the i's and dotting all the t's. It isn't about being a good little boy or good little girl, or getting your ticket punched to heaven. It's about encountering the living God who shows up and rocks your world, because after all, it's not your world, it's His.

Six weeks ago I had no intention of leading Live Oak to start an early, contemporary worship service. Today it consumes my thoughts and fires my hopes and dreams. Why? God showed up and called. What's going to happen this year? I am not 100% sure on the details, but I know this, God will show up.

I plan to expect the unexpected.