God knows what we need.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

If at first you don’t succeed…let God surprise you.

It was Friday morning, my usual day off. Instead of doing the laundry, balancing the checkbook, and surfing the internet…I officiated at a graveside service for a member of Holy Cross. It was a cold, hoarfrost morning at Evergreen cemetery.

Fountain Creek Regional Park, Fountain, Colorado

Even though it was a small gathering of family and  friends, I needed some alone time following the service. Lately it seems that my days have been booked solid. January seemed busier than December, which is saying something for a pastor.

So, I brought my camera with me to the funeral, my best friend when I need to be alone. After leaving the graveside I changed my clothes and drove to Fountain Creek Regional Park, south of Colorado Springs, praying “God, surprise me.”

I chose this park because of the amazing hoarfrost. The ponds, dried cattails and cottonwood trees would look spectacular covered with layers of frost. God surprised me. There was no hoarfrost like that which surrounded my home.

God’s surprise came to me in this pond. Braving the cold, humid temperatures, I stood around this pond noticing how barren it appeared and  amazed at the grasses trapped in the pond’s ice. No birds, no fish, no life. It wasn’t what I expected, but it was what I needed.

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” 
Philippians 4:19 New Living Translation

The frozen pond, leafless trees, and sprinkled snow speaks to me of the winter of my soul this past month. I needed that message to hear the fact that I’m not alone. That even in the winter of my life, God is present and he will always be present. In fact, my time beside this small pond was a time of peace.

God is in the business of surprising us. He gives us what we need through the riches of Jesus.

Text and Photograph copyright Douglas P Brauner