THE SURPRISES OF LIFE

In a splendid article for Christianity Today, J.I. Packer talks about the surprises of his life and what a blessing they have been for him. God surprised him in many ways over the years and he is now looking back and counting those blessings.

I believe that all Christians can and should look back at their surprises. I know that when I look at mine—I have been blessed indeed.

God surprised me when I was 13 years old when he brought an 11 year old, blue-eyed blond into my life. Now, after fifty years of marriage I look back on that day and smile.

God surprised me with a call to full-time ministry that lasted over fifty years and gave me some of the happiest days of my life.

God continues to surprise me, that even in retirement; I can continue to find joy in living. I have no idea what God has for me to do next. But I know this—whatever it is, I will probably be surprised. But then later on down the road, I will look back, see His hand in it all—and smile.

“Count your many blessings. Name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”