GOD CAN HANDLE YOUR SURPRISES

 

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. (Proverbs 16:33)

I love some surprises … an unexpected celebration, an accolade you never saw coming; a kind word (even if undeserved). There are some surprises that are a joy.

But there are others that are devastating. A friend who turns out to be an enemy; a tragedy that blindsides; a sudden financial burden that was completely unexpected and unprepared for; a loss of a friend; the viciousness of a gossiping enemy. Sometimes things happen entirely out of the blue. Perhaps you’re in one of those surprises right now.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THE SURPRISES OF LIFE?

The wise writer of Proverbs 16 had obviously encountered surprises, for he gives us the wisdom from God that had been learned only on the anvil of difficulty. Here are three simple, amazingly effective instructions from Proverbs 16.

1. TAKE A BREATH

Patience is better than power, and controlling one’s emotions, than capturing a city. (Proverbs 16:32)

The immediate tendency when surprised is to be filled with fear, worry, or anger and to ACT QUICKLY out of your emotions, not from a settled, reasoned wisdom. Gaining wisdom in any situation and finding God’s direction always takes time. Your initial reaction is almost always premature. You must learn to never react first and think later.

Ask God for the immediate grace to wait on Him, to be patient. Learn to recognize when you are responding purely from emotions. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but it’s end is death” (Proverbs 16:25).

2. SEEK DIVINE UNDERSTANDING

The one who understands a matter finds success. (Proverbs 16:20)

Things are rarely as they seem in the moment of crisis. A wise mentor to me (Don Dudgeon) would always say, “We make better decisions with understanding than ignorance.”

Realize God has things to say about a situation if you will ask Him. The foolish man reacts with little regard to the real facts (the issue behind the issue) and always makes the wrong choice. Listen, investigate, pray, seek godly counsel, and, most of all, study God’s Word for His perspective before you make your final decisions.

God knows what He is about, and He always has purposes. These are usually unseen in the beginning. If you don’t seek understanding, you will never find the mind of God. You may accuse others, even God, and become bitter and cynical, and you will almost always handle the immediate issue poorly.

3. TRUST THE LORD

The one who understands a matter finds success, and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy. (Proverbs 16:20)

Everything in a human being’s life is about faith. All of life is designed to bring us from our normal posture (prideful independence) back to where God designed us to live (humble dependency upon Him). The only cure for worry and fear is faith. And faith comes from one Source, and one alone. We must do what is necessary to come to a place of settled trust in God.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Don’t be wise in your own eyes. (Prov. 3:5-7a)

Why is faith possible? Look at the promise of Proverbs 16:33:

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord

The King James version says, “Its every disposing is of the Lord.” In other words, God’s got this. Though something has come upon you suddenly and unexpectedly, if you trust the Lord, He will always take care of His children.

And don't miss one important little word in that verse: “every.” Not “most” or “some” but every. God always has a solution and will give decisions and the best resolutions. We may not always understand them, or even agree, but we’re on safe ground when we trust Him fully. In fact, we will find happiness there.