The unexpected is rarely something wonderful at first glance. Unless you’ve won a new car or been gifted with a large inheritance from your great-aunt Aggie, the unexpected is often something you’d rather do without. Maybe you’re facing the unexpected today—a conflict with a friend, an expensive car repair, unemployment or a devastating betrayal. Most of time the unexpected is out of our control but the question is: Will we react or respond?

During the Christmas season my mind returns again and again to the simple words of Mary when she discovered that she would be the mother of the Son of God.

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” Luke 1:38 (NLT)

Saying YES! To the Unexpected

Mary responded YES! She embraced the unexpected even though it was bound to bring her unfair judgement, embarrassing accusations and straight-up rejection. She chose to rest her heart in the hands of God, believing that He could be trusted.

I wish I could claim that I consistently respond with grace and humble submission when life gets turned upside down. But more often than not, I fight against the unexpected. My mind jumps into high gear, frantically searching for quick fixes hoping to change my circumstances. Worse yet I panic, reacting with anger when things don’t go my way.

But what if, when the difficult and unexpected things of life come our way, we respond like Mary, saying YES!

YES! to…

A faithful Father who knows our names and counts our tears.

YES! to…

Focusing of faith over fear.

YES! to…

Declaring truth over doubt.

YES! to…

Seeing the blessings mixed with the sorrows.

YES! to…

Trusting our Savior.

Has the unexpected knocked you off your feet and you’re wondering how you’ll find your way again? Will you join me in daring to trust God? Respond below with ONE word symbolizing how you’re saying “YES! God I trust you with…”

For more reading on trusting God with the unexpected read:

When the Unexpected Hits Hard and You Need Grace by Rachel Quigley