How to expect the unexpected. To become comfortable with being unprepared. To let go of what is reasonable, reassuring, responsible. God is Masterful at lovingly pointing out those things we need yet to take care of.
It has been said that “God loves us the way we are…but He will not leave us that way.” In a recent activation lesson for the School of Faith course I attend, I was challenged about my barriers to expecting the unexpected.
The first difficulty was to not only name but create a tangible record on a piece of paper of those things or feelings that occupy my mind, distract and cause anxiety or pain. Once written, the paper was to be held in open, upturned hands asking God to take them, to deal with them. Turning the hands over, the paper with all its hurts and problems floated to the floor, not to be retrieved! We were then encouraged to turn our hands upward again to receive from God, asking Him to give us what He felt we needed in that moment.
Almost immediately I began to laugh as He handed me a handbag…with no bottom in it! I could see right through and the light from beneath was shining up into the bag. I’d had a moment of frustration earlier that day, hunting through my bag for my keys, grumbling about the black interior of handbags that makes finding anything difficult.
No dark interior, no corners for things to hide in, rummaging around in the darkness looking for something…only to find something unexpected, lost, maybe even best forgotten. I asked Jesus what else He might be telling me.
The next morning, I thanked God for the amusing vision and that it had made me laugh. This was His response through my journalling:
“I thought it best to highlight the light…. the light that shines in every dark place, illuminating everything, chasing out the darkness, and to show you this bag in which you carry things you perceive you “need “ for those “what if” moments. Your attempt at preparedness…covering all bases in the contents of your bag?
Now that makes Me laugh!!
Your “bag” is bound by your perception…limited by your imagination for what your outing, your day, may hold. But you feel safe…covered and prepared for having it with you. The thing is, your bag is a gathering place of old mindsets and beliefs, for items from your past days that no longer speak to today’s potential.
You keep things in there because they were handy in a situation passed. You carry your limitations and past into your present and future…and its packed so well, there is no room for possibility…to acquire something new! You may carry home something small that causes you to sift through and discard an item or two but then you place the rest back in your bag because they are a comfort…familiar…Who knows? It might come handy. And if you discard the lot…that will be the time you discover you needed that thing!
Make room for Me!! Make space for the new…the random…the impossible even!
There was a reason for Me telling the disciples to take nothing with them when I sent them out…no extras, no just-in-case, no plan B …Just total reliance on My provision.
Trust Me to provide for you…to supply your every need. Expect Me to do it!! You don’t need to think and plan ahead…I have done that already! The clay doesn’t brace itself, holding to its idea of what might eventuate. It sits, ready, submissive to the creative hands of the potter.
I have something beautiful….so beautiful in mind for you. Its already in the making!
Watch. Wait expectantly. Thank Me in advance and rest in Me.
So true & beautiful. Speaks to me where I am in my season right now. Thank you for listening 🤲🙌🙏