There was a woman who visited a church recently with a friend. She was somewhat nervous, as she had never really been much of a church goer. She was unsure of what to expect, what to do and possibly if she would look painstakingly awkward as if this was the first time EVER she had been in church. As she wrestled with her nervousness, the friend who had invited her tried to calm her down by telling her it would be ok and gave her a simple word of advice,"Relax, just follow what the preacher says and do what the other people do...you'll be fine".
As the service began, the pastor welcome everyone and it eventually came to the point in the service where the congregation was to welcome each other and visitors. The woman had never seen anything like this, but it looked wonderful. At the pastors request, all of the congregation stood with smiles on and began shaking each others hands and giving hugs, they were also exchanging a phrase with each other that she could not really understand. As the man in front of her greeted her and shook her hand, she heard him say, "Be surprised"..... "excuse me" said the woman. She heard the man once again say, "Be surprised" as he smiled at her. Wow! thought the woman, I like surprises. So, she went on her way meeting new friends, all the while greeting them with a loud, "BE SURPRISED". She was enjoying this and was all smiles, although she did notice people seemed genuinely 'surprised' to receive her greeting...but that did not stop her. Her friend who had invited her to church overheard her greeting the congregation and as they began to take their seats, he asked, "What are you saying????". She told him that she was just repeating what all the other people were saying...."Be Surprised!". Hearing that, he just smiled at her - (probably laughed at her) and said "NO! That is not what we were saying......It's Peace of Christ not Be Surprised!"
As they were greeting each other with the Christian encouragement of Peace of Christ, she had heard Be Surprised. But was that an accident? Or...was that God's way of surprising her with a word just for her. She had walked in that church nervous, anxious and feeling like she did not fit in. God wanted her to feel at home....in his house and he knew her. He created her and knew how she felt at the very moment, and what she would appreciate.
I like to think that God knew she enjoyed the gift of laughter and fun...so he spoke, "Be surprised"....and she heard him.(even if it was through someone who might have had an accent, saying peace of Christ) She heard those words and saw a glimpse into the body of Christ, the church. She saw that there is laughter, a welcoming spirit and peace that truly does pass all understanding. No need to be cautious, guarded or nervous. He wants all of us to be surprised at the gift waiting there....
Phillippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of Christ which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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