Expect the Unexpected

I heard it said that "luck favors the prepared." It was on television or in a movie, I can't remember which. I took it to mean that success was largely due to preparedness. Hard work and skill reduce the chance of failure, much like, lack of discipline and ability decrease the risk of success. We are to be the kind of people who live every moment in a state of preparedness.

Part of that process is learning to live in anticipation. If you anticipate nothing, you will be most surprised. We do not live in a world where nothing happens. Something is always going on, and there is more on the way. Are you expecting it?

Have you ever received an unexpected knock at your door? Have you ever picked up the phone to hear a voice you never thought you would hear in a million years? Surprise comes because we are not expecting the unexpected. I have always thought it was a defense mechanism against the heartache of unfulfilled expectation. We want not, because we fear we'll receive not.

However, Jesus commanded us to expect the unexpected (see Matt. 12:35-48). We should labor and toil in light of his coming. We should not be slack, but to diligently perform all our duties while we await our master's return. The servant who is faithful and wise to do the will of his master's will find himself rewarded, but the unfaithful, foolish servant will bear the penalty.

We have to learn to expect the unexpected. While we wait for Christ's return, we must be ready, because we never know when the wind of the Spirit will blow into our lives. Nor do we know in which direction. If we are workmen who rightly handle the Word of truth, we need not fear the unexpected. For having prepared, we'll stand ready to give an answer for the hope that is within us. Are you ready?