Surprises

Much of life is planned, yet much of life is unplanned.  I suppose it is the difference between structure and spontaneity.  I like to be spontaneous, but I have learned the importance of structure.  Over the past week and a half I have had the privilege of living out a plan, with some surprises.  One was painful - the other brought spontaneous joy.

I recently visited the Higher Ground Baptist Church in New Hampshire.  I will write more on that in a future post.  What a blessing it was to visit this wonderful fellowship.  Six members came to our 'Keep the Fire Burning' conference last February.  It was an honor and a blessing to join them in what God is doing in their midst.  On the way there I got my first surprise.  I received word that a long time friend was soon to die of cancer.  We knew this dear woman of God was close to death, but somehow held out hope for healing to the end.

Marti Parker was a Proverbs 31 woman for sure.  She and her husband Jerry have been friends of ours for over 30 years.  I met them when I went to seminary and began to serve at the Faith Baptist Church of Atoka, Tennessee.  I received the word of her likely soon passing from their son.  They wanted me to come and preach the funeral service.  Being involved in the service would certain be an honor.

I grieved for the family and for the loss both family and friends would feel.  It would indeed be painful - but knowing none the less that we do not grieve as those who have no hope.  Marti would soon be with the Lord.  We would celebrate her life, celebrate her being in the presence of the Lord, but suffer the loss felt so strongly by her family and friends who are still here.

In the plan and providence of God, she passed away toward the end of the week.  I finished my ministry in New Hampshire on Sunday and then flew out of Boston to preach at the funeral on Monday morning.  I visited with Jerry and stayed until Tuesday seeking to encourage him and walk this road with him.  Wednesday and Thursday were busy days back in Liverpool.  A lot is going on at Northside, and it was good to be back home.

During a meeting in my office late yesterday afternoon with a friend, a man who just this year began attending Northside, there was a knock on my door.  I looked up and through the window in the door  saw my oldest daughter's face!  That was my second surprise.  I was blessed by a surprise visit from our oldest who now lives in the midwest.  The last 24 hours have been sheer delight as our family has enjoyed three of our four children being home and enjoying one another's company.

We have shared about our lives, and talked about serving the Lord.  We have enjoyed laughter and tears.  (mostly laughter!)  For me, keeping the fire burning often happens when I simply surrender to the Lord.  Learn to simply walk with Him and trust Him always.  He has a plan.  We may make our plans, but the Lord is the master planner.  With Him there are always surprises along the way.  Some of those surprises are painful, and some are joyful.  I've learned to see Him in them both.  I pray you will as well.