Do you like surprises?
This week, reading my daily devotions reminded me that God is full of surprises. His people were always trying hard to figure out His intentions while making their own plans, but the twists and turns kept coming. It’s amazing to see how God’s plan always led them to new and unexpected experiences that weren’t included in their blueprint. He loves surprises!
It’s tempting to focus on outcomes. We want our path to make sense at the end of the journey, but I’m learning that the outcome isn’t always what changes us the most. Of course, God cares about the end result, but He is also working with us compassionately throughout the process. And sometimes, the process is the plan. What a thought! During the confusing times in the valley when I didn’t know what was happening, I realized God hadn’t abandoned me. Instead, He was rescuing me. I didn’t always see it (or feel it) at the time, but it’s comforting to know that’s how He works.
God is never caught off guard or unprepared. The valleys have taught me more about surprises than those moments when I 
stand at the top of the mountain. God calls us to follow Him beyond the boundaries of our wisdom, strength, and character. The time of waiting in those valleys often leads us to surprises that I call “tools of grace.” They release us from our self-reliance and its hold on us. It’s much easier to recognize those surprises when I’m trusting and waiting in the valley.
The places where we walk before reaching the mountaintop are times of transformation. Those valleys have changed me and taught me to love and forgive with more depth than I could have imagined. I’ve learned more about myself than I ever could at the top of the mountain. Those surprises were necessary to bring me into the next season. God knows what we learn in the valley is vital to what He has waiting for us.
The next time God surprises you in the valley, don’t doubt His goodness, faithfulness, and love. Celebrate those tools of grace. God rescues and transforms you through His infinite love, and nothing can separate you from it. Gracious and wonderful surprises are coming your way!