Unexpected Good News

2-27-2012 by Boyd Bailey

Unexpected Good News


“Then He said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” Luke 23:42-43

Unexpected good news can take a sincere soul off guard, as much as bad news can. But it is in the pleasantness of the Lord’s comforting words that gratitude and joy are released. Emotion erupts in praise and thanksgiving when a “no” was expected, but a “yes” was lovingly communicated. Humility asks the Lord for His forgiving presence and love. Grateful and wise disciples request the Lord to remember them now and forever.

Sometimes we strive in uncertainty, ever wondering what’s next. We are tentative to get our hopes up, because we have seen hopeful expectations dashed into discouragement in the past. So, in some situations we find ourselves somewhat skeptical of positive outcomes. Guilt and disappointment jar the foundations of faith with profound persistence. But the Lord does not want to leave His children in suspense—He clarifies.

“Show me Your ways, LORD, teach me Your paths.” Psalm 25:4

Today by faith you can walk with Jesus. Your paradise lost on earth is gained back in Christ. During this brief finite time—as a committed follower of Jesus—you have the solid expectation of an abundant life. Health scares, a fractured family or economic turmoil can only test your faith, not destroy your trust in God. Whatever you face—turn face-to-face to Jesus and in humility request Him to remember you—He will and He does.

Your heavenly Father remembers your hard work and He praises you for your diligence. He remembers you in your pregnancy and like Mary, He has bestowed on you His favor. Christ remembers your need for companionship, thus He is orchestrating relationships within His body to bring you His helpmate. He remembers your milestones of love and grief, and He joins you to rejoice and mourn. He remembers you, so you can remember Him and remember others with unexpected good news. Faith expects the unexpected.

“You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” Isaiah 40:9

With what unexpected good news can I give God glory and humbly share it to encourage others?

Related Readings: 2 Kings 7:9; Proverbs 15:30; Mark 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:6