by Rev. Aidan Moon

Facing the Strange and Unexpected

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“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

– Romans 8:28, English Standard Version

Life in this world is full of strange and unexpected things.

For example, why is there a giant chipmunk blocking my way? Of course, it was VBS week, so I probably shouldn’t have been surprised. But nonetheless, I was caught off guard to come across a chipmunk, a polar bear, and an eagle cavorting in the church kitchen on my mid-afternoon walk to get a snack.

Life is full of these moments, moments that make you stop and say “What?” Maybe it is simply human behavior, as we are puzzled by other’s choices. Perhaps it is new opportunities that we didn’t expect, a sudden change of direction to our life, whether positive or negative. As humans, we tend to prefer control, predictability, and order. And there isn’t anything wrong with that. But perhaps an openness to the weird and wonderful in this world is a bit of a spiritual gift. It is an opportunity for us to be stretched, to be shaped, and to be exactly where God placed us. I think of the story of Joseph – dreaming strange dreams, betrayed by his family, serving a high ranking official, tossed in prison on false charges – all ultimately leading to ruling a nation and saving a whole people from famine. This story of twists, turns, and the unexpected mirrors even the story of Jesus – divine purpose, betrayal, suffering, and glory. Nothing goes how we expect. But as we are strengthened by these stories, we can learn, in all the unexpected and expected, in the weird and wonderful and strange things of this life, to face them with resilience and faith.

“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:12-13, ESV

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