Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1, New International Version).  It is easy to accept that that is indeed a true statement, and we all should know by now through the experiences of life that there are days when things do not go as we expect them to.  I recall a time from the past when I had one of those of days that reminded me afresh of how true it is that I am not in control and I do not have the power to determine the outcome of every event that each day brings.

After ordering a new refrigerator, I had to prepare to have it delivered.  The old one still worked fairly well (at least, I thought that it did!) and we planned to keep it on the back patio to handle extra food.  Before help arrived to assist me in moving the old unit, I commenced to disconnect the water line supplying the ice maker.  I quickly found that the cut-off valve would not work, which resulted in me having to go to three places in town before I found one to replace it.  After the water line was fixed and the old refrigerator was moved, I then had the task of putting everything back in the refrigerator that I had taken out before we moved it.  Finally, with everything taken care of, it was time to head to the creek for a fishing trip with a friend.  What a great way to wrap up a rather frustrating day!

In anticipation of a good time on a beautiful afternoon (whether we caught any fish or no), Patrick and I got the boat in the water; everything was looking good!  That is, until he tried to start the boat and discovered a problem with the gas line.  After losing too much precious time and doing some “less than conventional” repairs, he managed to get us moving up the creek, albeit, on a boat that was not performing up to its best.

We had a great afternoon as expected and even caught a few fish. I made it home with hopes of getting to bed before too late, but that hope was soon dashed.  As I went out to get something from the old refrigerator that I had proudly moved to the patio a few hours prior, I discovered that it was not working.  I quickly determined that the breaker was tripped.  After resetting it several times to no avail, I had to accept the reality of the matter:  the old refrigerator had quit for good, which meant that Gale and I had to unload all our stuff again, haul it to the church and reload it in the refrigerator there. 

Needless to say, early to bed just did not happen!

Although frustrating, none of the problems I encountered that day had long lasting consequences, and all of them were able to be overcome rather easily. 

But sometimes unexpected things come against us that can impact us significantly.  When they come our way we can rest assured that, even in the midst of frustration, God is in control and He is never taken by surprise. 

Take note of and apply these words of hope in God:  “Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You.  Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul”  (Psalm 143:8).