Embrace the Unexpected by Rev Grace Reyes

Hello Brave Hearted Steppers,

Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) - "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."

This verse reminds us that while we may have plans and expectations for our lives, ultimately, it is in God's hands to guide us in unexpected directions. Embracing the unexpected means trusting in God's guidance and knowing that His plans for us may lead us down paths we did not foresee.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

We can also see how this verse beautifully encapsulates the idea of embracing the unexpected with trust in God's plans. It reassures us that despite the uncertainties and surprises life may bring, God has good thoughts and plans for our future, filled with hope and peace. This verse encourages us to lean on God's promises and embrace whatever unfolds with faith in His divine guidance and care.

There have been times in my life that I can recall vividly in which the day started out as just an ordinary day, but how it ended was a different matter. I would not have been able to say at that time that the outcome would be a wonderful life transforming event that created a relationship with God and my faith is iron clad today.

You see in September 2016 I was diagnosed with lung cancer, and during the preliminary tests the cancer that had be discovered on the upper left-hand lobe had spread to the bottom lobe too. Surgery was scheduled for December to remove the entire left lobe.

I was not prepared spiritually to communicate with the Lord in prayer. What I realize now is that I had a relationship with God from afar, He was someone I knew from church on Sundays. I realized that I was to embark on a spiritual journey through my cancer experience that would build a solid relationship of faith and that of healing with Jesus Christ.

Many times, in our lives we encounter storms that come up unexpectedly, this is when our faith and knowledge of the word become the anchor in our walk with God. Many times, we hear sermons that admonish us to be prepared to strengthen our relationship with Christ for the storms that we will eventually face. Paul warned many of his followers about the importance of walking in faith and praying without ceasing.

We are to prepare for these times through fellowship with fellow Christians, bible study and prayer. The trials require preparation on our part. We need to use the whole armor of God when we are dealing with issues of spiritual warfare.

Hebrews 11:8-10 (NIV) - "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God."

These verses illustrate the theme of trusting in God's promises and following His guidance even when the path ahead seems uncertain. The examples of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 encourage us to embrace the unexpected with trust and confidence in God's faithfulness.

The story of Elijah in the cave is found in 1 Kings 19:9-18. Elijah, feeling discouraged and fearing for his life after a confrontation with Queen Jezebel and the prophets of Baal, sought refuge in a cave on Mount Horeb (also known as Mount Sinai) in which he heard the voice of the Lord:

1 Kings 19:11-13 (NIV): "The Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.'; Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, 'What are you doing here, Elijah?"

In this passage, we see that God didn't speak to Elijah in the dramatic and powerful elements like the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. This moment is often interpreted as a reminder that God's voice can be found in the quiet and unexpected moments of our lives, urging us to listen attentively and discern His guidance even amidst turmoil and uncertainty.

This illustrates the need to be in tune to hearing God’s voice in the unexpected, when we do not understand what may be happening in the spirit realm. God operates in the realm that we cannot see and many times we react with frustration and sometimes anger when we are faced with trials and we do not see His hand in it. 

Life is a journey, a long distance walking each other home. When I am faced with the storms I stretch my arms out to the heavens, I begin to praise my mighty God and I pray to him with a humble and surrendered heart. It is in this moment that I hold on to the hem of His garment and trust that if He brought it to me, He will hold me fast.

I am His daughter, I am loved and cared for tenderly by my loving father, I am a Brave Hearted Stepper because I leave the details to a God who has a plan for my life, to bring me to purpose so that He can use this vessel to help His people and that is a Brave Hearted woman’s heart!

Blessings,

Grace Reyes

Founder of Blessed Keys Ministry