Expect the Unexpected!

You often “confound” me, Lord in the most positive sense of that word.  And I LOVE IT!!!

“To Confound = To cause surprise or confusion in someone, especially by acting against their expectations.”

Like this morning.  I was up early, with an “early bird” agenda.  I went into the town of Madison (eight miles away) to participate in the 2015 Women’s Four Miler Training Program.  Today was first day in the 11-week program, leading up to two events:  The Madison Fun Run and the Charlottesville Four-Miler. It’s all for a great cause — raising money to support the UVA Cancer Center Breast Care Program.

I went expecting to see and support several friends from church who help lead it.  I did see them… AND (not “but”) then, You did the unexpected, Lord.  That “move heaven and earth” thing You love to do, orchestrating “Divine Appointments” that could not possibly have happened any other way!

Your first Divine Appointment for me was a woman I “just happened to” end up walking alongside on our first course, a one-mile trail.  🙂  Our small talk began to reveal some amazing similarities in our backgrounds.  We were both born in the same city… in the same hospital in the same city.  We both grew up in the same county, not far from our birth city.  We went to the same junior high and senior high schools.  At the same time (although I was three years ahead of her, so we didn’t meet).  She has a degree in human resource management and made a career of corporate training and development.  I worked in corporate training and development!

We got tired of stopping every few steps with our mouths gaping open.  We both know You are “up to something,” Lord.  We’ll just have to wait and see what You have in mind!

Your second Divine Appointment for me happened at the end of the walk.  I was finishing my conversation with my walking partner when two other women approached us.  I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful t-shirt worn by one of the two.  The beauty of its colors — robin’s egg blue with bright yellow lettering — was only exceeded by the beauty of its message.  A modern design of a bird in flight.  Below the image was written “Victorybirds.”  All I said was, “I love your t-shirt.”  And the Divine Appointment unfolded.

The other woman explained the t-shirt’s meaning.  It was in honor of her daughter who has battled cancer.  Her treatments were severe.  The tumor remains. They hope the cancer has been killed but, because of the tumor’s location, they can’t be sure.

The daughter had been clinging to Your Word, especially Psalm 91… which spoke to her about Your overcoming faithfulness, rescue and protection, in even battles where the enemy seems to vastly outnumber Your forces for good.  This daughter lost some of her hair during treatment, so she decided to shave her head.  When she did, she discovered a mark on her head… in the shape of a feather.

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty… He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge…”  (Psalm 91:1,4)

Is it any wonder these words were printed boldly, in that same cheerfully bright yellow, on the back of this t-shirt?

After hearing more from this mother’s heart and sharing with her the words of encouragement You put on my lips, You prompted me to ask her name.

It’s DIANA.  Of course it is.  🙂

“To Confound = To cause surprise or confusion in someone, especially by acting against their expectations.”

Confusion?  Never!  “For God is not the authori of confusion but of peace…”  (1 Corinthians 14:33)

Surprise?  Almost always!  Blessing my socks off by doing The Unexpected!  The Astonishing!  Isn’t that Your specialty, Lord?!  🙂

What are You up to now, Lord, with these latest Divine Appointments?  We have gathered to condition our bodies for a four-mile event.  So often, what happens in the natural realm is a reflection of what You are doing in the spiritual realm.  So, what lies on the spiritual path before each of us?  And why have You had us cross paths… for such a time as this?

I can hardly wait to find out!!!

“Be strong and courageous…. The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you or forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”  (Deuteronomy 31:7b,8)

Expectantly,

Abba’s Girl

 

 

 

 

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