It’s normal in our temporal existence on earth to expect the unexpected. Of the unexpected surprises that come our way, some are easy to embrace while others are not. A number of the ‘not so easy to embrace’ surprises leave us with no choice but to pass through them. A number of years ago, my wife pressured me to submit to a full medical examination. For the sake of peace and harmony in our relationship I went quietly ‘like a lamb to the slaughter’ for medical testing. One week later I received a phone call from my doctor inviting me to his office. Now, whenever a doctor telephones you, you can be sure it’s not because they are bored and in desperate need for your company. Seated in his office, my doctor explained that the recent testing of my blood revealed the presence of Leukaemia cells in my blood stream and suggested an immediate course of action.

Wow… that’s what I call ‘off the chart’ unexpected news! Although I had no choice but to pass through this shock-horror experience, I did have a choice concerning the attitude to adopt. Would I accept or would I reject this unexpected surprise? In the time I have known the Lord, I have learned the right attitude to choose in every circumstance, whether pleasant or unpleasant. 

Habakkuk says, “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet will I rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation” (3:17-18);
James says, “Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy” (2:2); and,
Paul says, “Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17).

Meaningless suffering from the effects of unpleasant circumstances is not what God has in mind for His children. When walking faithfully with Him we are expected to accept every circumstance whenever they come our way. Why? Paul says, “This is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” … “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17, Romans 8:28).

What unexpected, unpleasant circumstances are you presently experiencing?  As a follower of Christ, your chosen attitude, right or wrong, will either block you or allow you passage to experience what God wishes to do in your life. Accepting the unexpected, with gladness, is a prerequisite attitude of mature followers of Jesus Christ, making it possible for the Lord to continue causing everything to work together for good in your life.

Believers can do more than accept ‘life’s unexpected’. Why? Because ‘everything we do has been determined beforehand according to God’s will’ (Acts 4:28), we can celebrate each and every circumstance of life before we pass through them. As Jesus willingly accepted the cross, according to His Father’s determination, I willingly accept every circumstances the Father has determined for me.

Best wishes
Bill Joukhadar