By: KELLY HUDSON, PERIMETER SCHOOL PARENT PRAYER LEADERSHIP TEAM MEMBER

On Monday morning, I was feeling a little “small,” a bit sideways, and particularly overwhelmed. As I recapped the previous weekend, I realized that there were a few things that made me feel a bit “off.” I also was reminded that I had not been in the Word consistently the week before. All these things made me feel … restless … disorderly… unexpected. 

ISN’T LIFE FILLED WITH THE UNEXPECTED?

I looked on my desk where I was doing my quiet time that morning and saw the scripture that read, “Oh give thanks to the LORD for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.” (I Chronicles 16:34)

Yes! The one constant in this sea of unexpected things in life is the Lord. He is good. His love does endure!

Aha! God reminded me …

WHAT IS UNEXPECTED TO ME IS NOT UNEXPECTED TO GOD!

He has ordained all our days before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:16)

He lifts us up in due time. He cares for us. (I Peter 5:6-7)

Nothing is hidden from God’s sight. He sees it all. (Hebrews 4:13)

The God who created the universe also created me with every minute detail, and He cares for me immensely. 

He reminded me in I Peter 1:6-7 that “… for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

In my Bible, I have three names and dates written in the margin next to this verse:

• A young woman with a rare kidney disease

• A high school friend with daily debilitating fatigue and severe joint pain

• A young friend who lost his brother to suicide

I had prayed this verse for them. 

SO, WHAT DO WE DO WHEN THE UNEXPECTED OCCURS?

God reminded me that He cares about every single “unexpected” thing because He allows it. He wants us to converse with Him in prayer out of obedience to humble ourselves and submit to Him. 

God does not NEED us to pray, yet in our relationship with Him, spending time with Him and communicating with Him allows us to KNOW HIM. He desires a relationship with us. Prayer builds that relationship. 

Years ago, as a young adult, I was in the presence of a “great pray-er.” Her words were so eloquent. I thought to myself, “how could I ever pray like that?”! As I reflect on what I heard come out of her mouth that day, I now realize that she was praying to God in His language. She was praying His truth, His words, His scriptures back to Him as she communicated with Him in prayer. 

In the Prayer Room every Tuesday, we meet God in conversation in a safe community of other covenant parents. We come out of obedience. We leave feeling blessed. Time in the Prayer Room confirms to all of us that prayer matters and it is important to be there.

Often, those who come never pray out loud. And that is okay! 

As I consider how I will handle the next unexpected thing, I pray that I will not conform to the patterns of this culture of fret or control but that I would be transformed by the renewing of my mind by seeking God, His purposes in the trial, and choosing to bend toward Him in the refinement He wants to do in me so that the unexpected will result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Come to Parent Prayer! You will be blessed!

Every Tuesday morning 8:15-9:15 AM in the Prayer Room (the door by the Atrium Bookstore)

Other upcoming events: 

See You At The Pole - Wednesday, September 28 (at the Flagpole or in the Gym if it is raining)

Prayer Walk - Tuesday, October 11 (meet in the Atrium and wear your name badge)