Episode 73: The Joy of the Unexpected
When we love God and are called according to HIS purposes, we lay down our right to understand. Surrendered expectation brings a deep JOY that surpasses happiness.
In Luke chapter one, there’s a beautiful example of surrendered joy in the story of two women—Mary and Elizabeth. Like many married couples, Elizabeth and her husband Zacharias expect to have children, but year after painful year, their expectation is dashed. They’re doing everything right (serving, loving, praying) but nothing changed. Suddenly, in a God-picked moment for a God-picked purpose, they’re angelically told their prayers have been answered. Elizabeth will give birth to the forerunner of the Messiah.
Meanwhile, one of Elizabeth’s relatives named Mary receives a similar message from the same angel. Only Mary’s expectations were completely different than Elizabeth’s. Mary was an unmarried teenager still waiting to wed. Both these women face the challenge of laying down their expectations to take on the mantle of God’s purpose, but God beautifully helps us in the exchange. He brings the right people at the right time to encourage us, and at times, even share in the same purpose.
In Luke 1:39-45 we see Mary get to Elizabeth’s home as fast as she can. Before she can even enter Elizabeth’s home, God encourages her through Elizabeth’s blessings.
1. Elizabeth confirms Mary’s pregnancy by blessing the fruit of her womb. (Mary may have been doubting or beating herself up for being “crazy!”)
2. Elizabeth worships Jesus. This is the first moment of worship on earth.
3. Elizabeth lightens the mood by sharing that baby John (in her womb) leaped when he came into the presence of baby Jesus, newly growing in Mary.
4. Elizabeth compliments Mary’s faith by saying “Blessed are you Mary, for being gutsy enough to believe God would do what he said he would do…”
Both women handed over their expectations…and God handed over HIS gifts. This surrender brings unexpected JOY and depth to our love for God.
What expectations do YOU need to lay down today? How does this surrender lead to a deeper kind of joy?
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