unpredictable

“The only thing predictable about God is His unpredictability.” One of my beloved seminary professors and mentors used to say that a lot. Dr. Rickie Moore’s words have shown themselves true in my life over and over again.

God will not be boxed in. He refuses to play by the rules! Well, my rules, at least. Just when I think I’ve figured Him out, I am undone. Once again I feel like an ant in His presence and realize how vast the difference between HE and i.

This past week was anything but predictable. On Monday night we learned of the tragic death of one of our former students. Tyler Carver was a kind, respectful, athletic young man. His 16 years were not nearly enough. The shocking news took our breath away. I cannot imagine burying my own child. Our hearts are broken and grieved for his family.

On Wednesday morning our dear friends, Matt and Angela, had another little baby girl. We went to the hospital to see Shayden Lee and check on her mom, dad and sister, Joslyn. The whole family is doing great and is thrilled to add another member. Our hearts swelled with excitement and celebration with them.

Then, on Thursday, another new life was born. This time the miracle comes to some of our oldest and closest friends, Josh and Sara Turner. They’re leading a thriving youth ministry in Atlanta and are about to have their lives turned on its ear by the precious little Aletheia Michal. We’re sad we can’t be with them, but so pumped that they finally have this amazing child to bring home.

How do we reconcile these wildly varied emotions? It’s almost overwhelming just to experience them, but to explain them is beyond me. We could have never predicted a week like this. Even if we could, I’m not sure we would have chosen to. God never seems to do things the way I, in my infinite wisdom (cough, cough), think they should be done. And He rarely seems to bend His will to my prayers and pleas, either. I find that I’m usually the one who bends.

Nor does this God that we serve succumb to any formula. Just because I do A, B and C, does not necessarily mean God will do D, E and F. He seems to love and relish doing the unexpected, mysterious and even dangerous. He is not some lifeless statue, but is a living being. Like any other relationship, we exist in a dynamic give-and-take with Him! Most of the time it’s sweet and pleasant and very satisfying. Other times it’s frustrating and confusing and even annoying. But all the time it’s exciting and unknown and…unpredictable.

I don’t even understand my wife all the time! How can I possibly expect to understand the Living God?! I can’t. I won’t. But the journey sure has been fun, amazing, life-giving, life-transforming, miraculous. Though unpredictable, I wouldn’t trade this in for the whole world!