Words of Hope Daily Devotional
Unexpected Surprises
Read: John 2:1-12
When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” (v. 3)
When you go hiking, it is very important to pay attention to the trail markers. These guides make sure that you are walking in the right direction. It would be really foolish to stand under one of these markers and have a picnic, thinking that you had already arrived at your destination.
In the same way, when we read about the miracles of Jesus, the apostle John urges us not to get stuck on the miracle itself, so that we miss the particular aspects of Jesus Christ’s identity revealed by the miracle. For example, what do you do when you face seemingly extraordinary problems? Do you blame the people who are responsible, or do you try to find a solution?
In today’s reading, we see that Mary, the mother of Jesus, decided to be part of the solution. Sometimes, even when you can’t do much yourself, you can present your problem to Jesus and wait for the solution he will give.
When Jesus has a vital part in our life, if he is not just a guest but is in control and at the helm of it, then he works even the unpleasant and unexpected surprises of life to our benefit (Rom. 8:28). He is in control, no matter what happens in our life. No surprises, however unpleasant or unexpected, are out of his perfect sovereignty and control.
As you pray, ask God that the surprises of life will not steal your joy.
About the Author
Genci Hoxha
Genci Hoxha is one of the leaders at a local church in Tirana where he is also involved in the ministry of teaching and preaching the Word. For 19 years, he served full-time with CRU in Albania. Three years ago, Genci Hoxha published his first poetry book entitled “Pasqyra e Qiellit” (English: The Sky’s Reflection).
These devotionals were first published in Fjalet e Shpreses, Words of Hope’s Albanian devotional. Learn more about Words of Hope Albania, and our work in training and equipping local Christian leaders to write and share the Word of God.
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