Saturday, January 22, 2011

Dear God,

Who can predict a sweeping of your spirit? Who can maneuver events to reveal your loving presence? No one but you, O God, no one but you.

I have always loved surprises. I love to surprise persons with a special gift, a prayer, something unplanned. But you, dear God, surprise us with amazing things. The lost is found. After more than a year, I found my wedding ring. The darkness reveals the light. Blinded by sorrow and pain, you appeared in a great vision. Hope springs forth. When I was ready to lie down in Sheol, you shocked me with good news. Peace settles in. When I was burdened by many hurts, disappointments, responsibilities, and ill health, you offered me a safe haven. Love circles round and enters the human heart. When I was needlessly wandering feeling alone, your love found me and persuaded me to be loved. Reunion is made possible. After years of estrangement, you opened the door and simultaneously two of us came together in wonderment and joy and then our whole family was reunited. These are but a few of the incredulous happenings in my life that surprised me beyond belief.

When I least expect it, you surprise me with eternity's sweet gifts. A night sky can become a spectacular display of your shining light. A storm can leave the most divinely colored rainbow. Pain can be lifted. A life can be renewed. An insight can bring change. Bitterness can be eradicated. All these are surprises, your grace-filled surprises that inspire faith to soar.

Good Lord and Great Redeemer,
only you,
only you
can produce
and reveal
eternity's power.
Only you
can make
the doors
to love reopen.
Only you
can heal,
restore,
and renew.
Surprise us
again and again
and again,
I pray.

Love, Andrea