Expect the Unexpected in the Unexpected Places
- Dr. Teresa Allissa Citro
- Mar 16, 2018
- 4 min read
“...he will give a crown of beauty for ashes...” (Isaiah 61:3 NLT)
For the last couple of days, I’ve been thinking about my earrings. Specifically, where I found them.
I had been looking for a pair of hoops in Italian white gold. There’s plenty of them, but not how I like them. Now hoops are hoops. I know; I get it. However, I wanted a different style, one that would stand out. I looked for a couple of years. I think I visited every jewelry store in every single place I went. Three years ago when I went to Italy, I went expecting to find them there.
In Italy, I went to every single jewelry store. Do you know how many of them there are? A gazillion and a half! Nothing. Finally, in Florence, starting in via Rome, after entering every jewelry store, I saw this little shop, between the other famous stores, and I made a bee line for it. When I got to the door, I realized it wasn’t what I expected. It was a Chinese jewelry store. Ok, don’t judge me here, please. I said to my friend, “I’m not going in there. It’s not Italian. I want Italian white gold.” I think it was perhaps the most stupid thing I’ve ever said. Embarrassed just writing this here. But, I’m trying to make a point, I will have to live with it.
Then, the people saw me at the door. They smiled at me, and I was to embarrassed to walk away. I just thought that I would go in and out. I greeted them in English figuring they would understand. To my surprise they didn’t speak English, but they were fluent in Italian. I began speaking Italian to them, and learned they were born in Italy, but of Chinese descendants. Guess what? There were my beautiful Italian white gold, hoop earnings, unlike any I have ever seen before or since.
That day was a very poignant day for me. I really should have known better. I pride myself of not judging the book by its cover, but I had done just that. Shame on me. However, God taught me a very important lesson. It wasn’t about judging people or race. I already know that. It was more importantly than even that. He was teaching me about the unobvious.
INSIGHT: God seems to always show up in unexpected places, places we never dream about, and with people we don’t even think about. As we are getting ready to celebrate one of the two biggest Christian holy days, Good Friday and Easter. I can’t help but think about the cross.
Who would have ever imagined God’s plan of salvation meant an old rugged cross? Who would be waiting with great expectations that it would mean a terrible, despicable, and disgusting practice of crucifixion, a crown of thorns, and thick painful nails which would lead to the death of a promised deliver, king, ruler, the Messiah? He came choosing a cross instead of a crown. Total opposite of what humanity was expecting.
You see, God knew it was imperative a perfect lamb without blemish be presented for a sin offering. God sent His only begotten Son so that anyone who believes in Him would have eternal life. This the reason for Easter.
Throughout history God has walked into the lives of people in unexpected ways. Abraham and Sarah had a baby beyond the child bearing years. Jacob considered the second male to become the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. Esther was a Jew replacing the Queen of Persia. Noah saved the offspring of every living animal (Do you know how many animals we have?). Jonah was in the belly of a fish. King David was the youngest amongst his brothers. Finally a young virgin girl, Mary gave birth to a child without intimacy.
God can do anything He chooses to do, anyway He wants to do it, how He sees fit, and who He chooses to do it with. Please don’t believe the misconception things need to be done a certain way or in certain places. God can take any life that has been made available to Him and do the unexpected and unbelievable; this includes your pain and sorrow, your heartaches and your headaches. I believe the unexpected are found in the least expected places just like my earrings.
MEDITATION: "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
Will you allow the God of the unexpected to surprise you today in the unexpected places of your life?
Remember, God always shows up in the most unexpected places. I personally happen to love that! I love surprises. Even if the surprises are birth from a place of sorrow and pain. Just like the ugliness of a bloody cross healing, restoration, and life eternal was the victorious outcome. So shall the beauty come forth from the unexpected places of the ashes.
Dr. Teresa Allissa Citro
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You are the God of Surprises. You take joy in giving me surprises and showing me Your love and care for me so much You even care about the smallest thing that matters to me. Thank You for Your unfailing love. Thank You for making everything beautiful in Your time. Thank You for Your healing work in my life, and thank You, Father, for Your compassion. Be with me throughout this day wherever I go. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Linda A. Knowles
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