What exactly is “unexpected”?

1. A notice that you got a raise, when revenues weren’t as good as last time?
2. When the onslaught of a virus disrupts world events?
3. When a rude customer or clerk didn’t have the pleasant disposition, and left a mark on that day.
4. When a gift under a tree filled a deep need, or soothed an emotional scar that wasn’t healing quickly.
5. When our vehicle ceases to operate normally, and the interstate traffic resents you stopping there.

   Or what if “unexpected” means something monumental? Something cosmic in size and scope?

   But first, let’s look at the three basic types:

   A) Unexpected – “positive” B) Unexpected – “negative” C) Unexpected – “neutral”

   Each one should have a reaction of prayer in some form. A) is a prayer of thanksgiving. B) is a prayer of rescue, realignment, or confession, and C) is a prayer of amazement or deep pondering.

   So God, in His infinite wisdom, unfathomable knowledge, and unlimited power; brings the universe to a focal point…..

6. God sets in motion a salvation plan after 400 years of prophetic silence. Was that unexpected?

   Matthew 1:18 – “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.”
   Matthew 1:22 – 23 – “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Isaiah 7:14)

7. God reveals the “plan” that does not just include the Jewish people. Was THAT unexpected?
   (Being tested positive for COVID-19 does not appear anywhere close)
   Luke 2:25-32 – “And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, ‘Lord, now let thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” (My emphasis)

“Lord, how You weave the threads of Jewish heritage throughout humanity in unexpected ways! I thought I was just a gentile for decades. Then, I found out my great, great grandmother was Jewish. So Jesus died for me, as a gentile. But He came as a salvation to His people, the Jews. “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him….” Hebrews 2:3 So let us now rejoice in His plans, both expected AND unexpected. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”