Mark 4:40 – “And he said to them, “Why are you cowardly?  Do you still not have faith?”

As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God today, the word “unexpected” flooded my consciousness.  Unexpected?  I found that fascinating since, for a very long time, I’ve been drawn to the thought of ‘Expectation.’

In Mark 6, after the feeding of the 5000, the disciples, while obeying Jesus, found themselves in the midst of a storm.

Jesus was not in the boat but could see them.  He sees everything!   They were straining at the oars.  That is an interesting revelation.  Their carnal mindset causes them to try to rectify the problem and row through it in their own power and ability.  Had they not rowed, they would have perished.  Was rowing the best they could have done?  No, but in their condition, it was essential.  They had another option but could not see it, so unless and until we see that option, it is essential to strain at the oars!

He came to them at their most desperate moment.  He came to them at an Unexpected time and in an Unexpected way.  We develop our authorized ways and timing for God to operate in, and He often surprises us with the Unexpected!

I guess we could say we should expect the unexpected!  But if it is unexpected, how do we expect it?   Their other option was the same as the earlier event, with boats and storms, as described in Mark 4.   Jesus exercised faith and spoke to the storm.   He asked them in verse 40, “Why are you so cowardly?  Why are you overflowing with fear?  Why is your confidence in anything other than God?”

Our struggles do not mean God’s disfavor!   Struggles are opportunities to see God’s power!  It sometimes takes storms to help us grow in faith and demonstrate trust!  Each time, we grow stronger and more confident in His promise.

Therefore, in life’s Unexpected times, Expect Him to do the unexpected in an unexpected way and at an unexpected time.  The bottom line is Trust Him!   In the middle of a storm, be assured that He is aware of it, and He will come!  He does not fail.

LORD, help us to Expect Your Answer even in the Unexpected!