Sometimes we received a blessing when we least expect it. Occasionally something just happens that surprises us. A few weeks ago I went to Columbia Regional Airport to pick up a Japanese student coming in from Tokyo. I had met him through a mutual Japanese friend connecting us. He was coming to the University of Missouri to do research for one year.

My Plan

My plan was to take him shopping at a department store so he could purchase somethings he needed to set up his apartment. He was in need of basically everything from furniture, kitchen supplies, to household goods. I didn’t want him buying everything, because that would be very expensive. My thoughts were perhaps to find a few of us that could come up with some stuff to give him. I decided to make a Facebook post to see if I could get some help.

God’s Surprise

To my surprise my Facebook post led to a church I had no previous connection with except for a friend I met last year. When my friend saw my post she shared the need with her church. This church was wanting to start an international ministry. After hearing about the need they offered to purchase furniture and whatever else was needed to set up his apartment. Their generosity really blessed me tremendously especially since it was towards someone they didn’t know and connecting with a different church.

Everything I Need

Now my Japanese friend can say,” I have everything I need for this year.”

God Loves to Surprise Us

The Christmas story is full of surprises from Elizabeth having a baby in her old age to Mary having a baby being a virgin. Then the surprise of the angel of the Lord appearing to the shepherds announcing the birth of Jesus.

As Christmas is quickly approaching and the New Year is just around the corner, be mindful of God surprises. You never know when some surprise will come your way. Most importantly the greatest surprise we could give is sharing the good news of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. No one will ever receive a more glorious surprise than hearing about Jesus and receiving Jesus into their life.

Surprise us with love at daybreak; then we’ll skip and dance all the day long. Psalm 90:14 MSG

Dear Lord,

As we awake each morning open our hearts to be surprised by your love. Fill our hearts with your tenderness, compassion, hope, and joy to share with someone who needs a surprise today. May we never be to busy to share the truth of knowing you. And may we never be to busy to see the surprise of you coming down from Heaven as a baby to bring light into our hearts.

Be on the lookout for God’s surprises!

Merry Christmas!

Blessings,

Tina