When the Unexpected Occurs
April 2023
Many of us have personally experienced or witnessed some unexpected event. Perhaps something that we thought lost, was found. Or maybe someone or something we had given up on turned around and changed the narrative.
As a young man, coach Wally Buono of the BC Lions thought he had lost the opportunity to go to college and play football because his family only had enough money to pay for their oldest son’s tuition. The oldest son went to college for one year and then voluntarily left college so that his younger brother who was gifted in football could take his place going to college. The rest is history.
One friend started Cocaine Anonymous in BC after overcoming his own struggle with addiction. He has been sober, with a full and wonderful life, for over 30 years now. Another young couple heard from many doctors that they would never have children but recently shared with me that they are overjoyed to discover they are expecting. When I was in seminary school, I found myself heavily in debt for my tuition. I went to the Dean to explain my predicament and was astonished when he told me that someone had anonymously paid off my entire debt to the school.
Sometimes, we are fortunate to rekindle old friendships, or a loved one's health returns, or losing a job leads to a better opportunity. These small unexpected miracles make us grateful and we are almost always changed, for the better.
In the world of faith, we often witness the unexpected occurring. It could be in answer to prayer, or it could be seemingly random. In the language of faith, we are experiencing the work and gift of grace. Grace is an undeserved gift from God. The most amazing example would be Easter morning when the Christian community celebrates the Resurrection. We believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead and that death is therefore no longer the final victory.
Many years ago I was a pastor at a very large church. On the morning of Easter Sunday the multiple services were always packed, with long lines of people waiting for the next service to begin. One year, an elderly man waiting in line had a heart attack. There were many physicians present who attended to him while everyone waited for an ambulance. Unfortunately, he died on the way to the hospital. That day, the promise of the Resurrection offered hope and comfort in a deeply personal way to both the family and the thousands who witnessed the drama unfold.
So how about us? Where do we need renewal or rebirth? What areas in our lives need to be resurrected and become alive again? Where are we, personally, in need of the unexpected gift of grace?
Remember the words of Jesus, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Rev 21:5
His offer is still there for us all; in this life and in the life to come.
Happy Easter,
Tom