Unexpected

As I headed to the church on Friday morning, I had a simple agenda: help a crew get started with some window work, grab breakfast at McDonald’s and work on my message for Sunday.

There were some things not on my agenda: deep clean the floors, wash out the dust mop by using it as a squeegee, clean out the inside of my shop vac, wash the carpets, clean under the platform, do plumbing. Guess which list got priority.

The water running out from under the front door at the church was my first clue that my plans might be changing. The water pouring into the sides of my sandals settled the matter. As I walked across Lake CBC towards the sound of rushing water, I assumed someone had left the sink faucet on … maybe while we were without water. I reached the source of the sound, but the sink was empty. I opened the cabinet doors and the reality of what happened hit me … actually, it sprayed me in the face. One of the pipes to the filter system had changed its profession and become a decorative fountain. I guess it just couldn’t handle the pressure. Anyway … once the water was shut off, the three hours of cleanup began. Quick calls and quick responders meant I didn’t have to work alone. With Hieu and Don’s help things went much more quickly … but my schedule was toast.

We cannot make our plans with total impunity. Pipes fail … things happen. Many people find it difficult when life … or God … adjusts our plans. That’s actually a pretty good lead in for Christmas. In the next few weeks, when something unexpectedly changes your plans, consider this: There was a young girl dreaming of marriage, not motherhood. There was an old priest fulfilling his duties in the temple, not expecting a son. There was a wicked king, not planning on a challenge to his title. There were shepherds hoping for a quiet night with the sheep, not an angelic visit. The long-expected Messiah came with some unexpected twists. All those best-laid plans bent to one sovereign will … But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” Galatians 4:4-5
 
 

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