Stop and think back. Can you identity events or circumstances where God truly surprised you? Just, out of the blue, something totally unexpected occurred? If you hang around Jesus long enough, it’s bound to happen.

Once, Jesus and His disciples were attending a wedding feast. When the host ran out of wine for his guests, Jesus requested the servants fill large jars with water and … Surprise! Jesus turned the water into choice wine. (John 2:1-11)

Another time, collectors came to Peter for the required temple tax. I’m sure Peter was surprised when Jesus sent him to the lake to fish with instructions to “Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours” (Matthew 17:27). I bet Peter loved telling that story!

Recently, I spoke at an event and all attendees were surprised when right at the climax of my testimony, as I shared how I had waited four long years for God to open a door into the publishing world, a woman’s phone went off. The room exploded with laughter as we realized her ringtone was the song “At Last”! It was a perfect touch.

A life with Jesus is bound to be full of surprises. A ‘chance’ meeting, a miraculous answer to prayer, a special gift from your Heavenly Father, or just the right ringtone or song on the radio.

It may be a fun Thanksgiving Day activity to discuss with others how God has surprised you in your walk with Him, whether in big or small ways.

“Let us come before him with thanksgiving” (Psalm 95:2). “Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them (Psalm 111:2).

Ponder and be thankful!