Life is full of surprises. Some things just catch us off guard because they are so unexpected. Alone in the house recently, except for my dog Maggie, I heard a thumping. Maggie and I went to investigate. I discovered two large wild turkeys on our deck, poking their beaks against the glass door, like they were knocking to come in.
I don’t know what they wanted. The sight of them produced agitated barking in Maggie. The turkeys fled the deck and hurried back into the woods.
That same week, my husband and I spent the weekend with our son’s family, at their home near the coast. At one point we were alerted of an alligator loose in the neighborhood. It went over the lawn across the street. We didn’t see it, but the neighbors had pictures.
Sometimes life is full of surprises. Turkeys and alligators, though unusual, don’t really throw our lives off balance. They just make for interesting anecdotes. Other surprises can ruin a day. An unexpected call from the doctor’s office after a routine checkup. A report of an accident. The death of someone close, with no warning of illness or frailty.
Yet, why are we surprised? We live in a world where anything can happen. This world is fallen. Broken. Sin-damaged. The Bible counsels us not to be surprised by suffering. We can expect fiery trials in this life. Jesus told us we would have many trials and sorrows in this world. He also told us we should take heart, because He has overcome the world. Take heart. Have courage. Be brave. Because Jesus has overcome the world.
Because of Jesus, our perspective changes. This world is temporary. Jesus came to offer hope to a world broken by sin. Sin damaged the human heart, so much so that those He came to save tried to silence Him. The world still tries to silence His message of redemption, salvation, and eternal life. But God is more powerful than any of the darkness of this world.
God has a plan. He promises that all things–all the surprises–work together for the good of those who love Him and are part of His family. Whatever suffering we experience now, God uses to strengthen us, and to teach us who he is. He is with us through every dark moment. He is with us through every joy. When we experience hard times, if we focus our attention on Him, we learn who He is in the midst of our circumstances. We experience His care, His guidance, and His assurance, that in the end, all will be well. He provides joy in the midst of sorrow.
God surprised the world with an empty tomb. One day Jesus will return. He will set everything right that throws us off balance now. In the meantime, we can thank Him for the blessings, and trust Him through all the surprises.
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NKJV
How has God encouraged you when life is full of surprises? Please leave a comment below.
Blessings,
Phyllis
© 2026 Phyllis L. Farringer
Image by Daina Krumins from Pixabay
Amen to that! Loved hearing about all the visitors.
Thank you, Elizabeth. Glad you liked it.
Thank you for the post, Phyllis. I’m grateful nothing is ever a surprise to God.
Thank you, Joni. We can rest secure knowing nothing is ever a surprise to Him.