I Didn't See This Coming

Jul 26

Written By Michael Durr

When Life Shifts Without Warning, God’s Purpose Still Stands

Before we look at life’s surprises, remember this truth:

Proverbs 19:21 (NIV) Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 21:30 (NIV) There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.

Summary

People make plans, form strategies, and map out what they think tomorrow will look like — but only the “purpose of the Lord” will succeed. No wisdom, no insight, and no counsel can stand against the will of God. His sovereignty overrules every human intention and every unexpected moment.

How many times has a person been blindsided by the global phrase, “I didn’t see this coming”? Some events change the trajectory of a person’s life forever. For example:

· A son receives a 1.5‑million‑dollar inheritance he never expected.

A group of students receives fabulous news that their entire student debt has been wiped clean.
A relationship that appeared to be in full bloom with a beautiful future suddenly ends in ruin.
A mother receives the news of triplet girls, filling the father’s heart with joy.
A stock investment that promised a fortune collapses overnight, and your brokerage account shows a zero balance.
A child with straight A’s, valedictorian honors, a full academic scholarship, and a promising future changes course in their senior year of college after hanging with the wrong crowd.
In a new #1 box‑office thriller, a twisted plot unfolds, and the couple looks at each other and says, “I didn’t see that coming.”
Your loved one is driving home with the right of way, and out of nowhere a car runs a red light — now they’re in the ICU.
A marriage between father and mother ends in divorce, leaving the children heartbroken for years and making painful decisions as a result.
An individual plays the lottery and wins 10.7 million dollars.
Another person receives a free car from someone they barely know because their need was made known.

Unexpected events happen every single day.

Some great.
Some bad.
Some devastating.

People are caught off guard as they move through the motions of life.

How can you plan for the unknown — for the unforeseen?
How do you tame the uncontrollable emotions you didn’t know were buried inside you?

As you read and think about the phrase, let’s examine it through a biblical lens — not an opinion, not a perspective, but a truth revealed in Holy Scripture.

Many will not take heed. They will ignore the Good News and continue planning for another day.

People will wake up and start their morning. Others will go to sleep like any other night. But one day, a person will wake up and realize in their conscious mind:

“No mercy. No grace. No hedge of protection.” Separated from God.

Hebrews 3:15 (KJV) As has just been said: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.”

While you still have breath, respond to the voice of God. Don’t wait for another day, another moment, or another “I didn’t see this coming.” Surrender your plans and your future to the Lord. Turn to Christ, call on the name of the Lord, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you into truth.

Romans 10:9 (KJV) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

After a person receives Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit will indwell their heart.

Acts 1:9 (KJV) After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

Two thousand years ago, Jesus ascended to the highest heavens and sat at the right hand of the Father as His earthly ministry was over.

John 16:13 (NIV) But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

The Father sent the Holy Spirit to guide, teach, and convict.

2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

While you have a chance, take full advantage of this day — pick up your cross daily, advance the kingdom of God, and pursue holiness. Live a life that pleases our Heavenly Father. Take responsibility for your spiritual walk, secure your place in the Book of Life, and put away the phrase that offers no second chance once separation from God becomes a reality.

Choose Jesus now, while grace is still available.

Michael Durr

My Daily Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
Who sits enthroned in the highest heaven—the Creator of the heavens and the earth—glory be to Your holy name! The angels cry out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” The twenty-four elders fall down before You and lay their crowns before Your throne. Truly, there is no one like You; there is no one holy like the Lord.

Father, thank You for Your mercy and grace— for withholding Your righteous judgment against Your creation. We are sinners, and sin cannot stand in the presence of a holy God. Thank You for the air in my lungs, the roof over my head, the water I drink, and the food I eat. Most of all, thank You for loving the world so much that You gave Your one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Thank You, Jesus, for willingly laying down Your life of Your own accord. My heart overflows with gratitude for Your obedience in fulfilling the will of the Father—even to the point of death on the cross while we were still sinners. Thank You for Your holy blood, the ultimate sacrifice of The Great Exchange, where You took upon Yourself the sins of humanity, and in return, all believers receive Your righteousness. Through You, we are redeemed by the blood of Jesus and reconciled to God the Father.

Thank You, Father, for sending the Holy Spirit —the Helper. The world needs His conviction of sin, His comfort, and His power. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for being our Teacher, our Guide, our Comforter, and our Advocate. You intercede for us and confirm our salvation in Christ. Lead us daily into all truth and transform us into the likeness of Jesus Christ. May humanity never suppresses Your work but yield fully to Your presence.

I pray for all unbelievers— that they may come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Harden not your hearts, for today is the day of salvation. Jesus died on the cross so that none should perish but have eternal life. In Jesus’ name.

I pray for those who once walked with Jesus but have turned away. Lord, draw them back by Your Spirit. Let them repent and return to the truth they once knew. For if we know the truth yet choose sin, there is no other sacrifice left for sin. Help us remain steadfast in faith. In Jesus’ name.

I pray against hatred and division among brothers and sisters because of race or color. Satan uses hate to divide and destroy, but we will not fall for his schemes. Lord, break the chains of hate and replace them with Your love and unity. Without faith, no one can please You. Keep us strong in faith and guard us from the enemy’s lies. In Jesus’ name.

I pray for the elders, widows, and orphans who feel forgotten or voiceless. Protect them, Father, from those who seek to harm or exploit them. Place a hedge of protection around them and meet their every need. In Jesus’ name.

Heavenly Father, I pray for the children who have been taken. Please expose their location, in Jesus’ name. Holy Spirit, comfort the parents and friends, and keep unforgiveness far from their hearts.

I pray for laborers in the harvest— send them out, Lord, with boldness and compassion to proclaim Your truth. In Jesus’ name.

Blessed is the meek, the poor in spirit, the humble in heart, the pure in heart, to the one who shows mercy, and the peacemakers. May they see Your face. In Jesus’ name.

I pray for those imprisoned unjustly, that You would bring them freedom and justice. In Jesus’ name.

I pray that innocent blood no longer touches the ground. Lord, stop the violence and deliver the innocent. In Jesus’ name.

I pray for missionaries—for their protection, provision, and focus on Christ alone. Strengthen their hearts and multiply their impact. In Jesus’ name.

I pray for the weary and the brokenhearted. Lord, give them rest. Let all who feel crushed in spirit know that You are near. Restore hope to those who feel forgotten. In Jesus’ name.

I speak against false teachers, prophets, and religions that lead people away from the truth of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Let their deception fade and Your truth shine. In Jesus’ name.

I pray for those enslaved by sin, whose minds the enemy has blinded. Break every stronghold of lust and dishonor. Teach us to glorify You with our bodies. Let all who struggle with sin experience true deliverance through Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name.

I pray for those who have committed crimes—that they repent, become salt and light, and bring others to You, Lord. In Jesus’ name.

I pray for the wealthy, that they would not worship money or status but turn to You, knowing that riches cannot follow them beyond the grave. Reveal to them their need for a Savior. In Jesus’ name.

Heavenly Father, heal my body, purify my heart, and grant me wisdom and understanding. Bless me with favor and enlarge my territory—not for my glory but Yours. I surrender my life completely to You. I love You, Lord, and I repent of my sins before a holy God. Please keep Your hand upon me daily.

In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.

Seven Supporting Bible Verses

1. God’s Holiness & Majesty

Revelation 4:11 (NIV) “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

2. Salvation Through Christ Alone

John 3:16 (NIV) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

3. Christ’s Sacrifice & Redemption

Romans 5:8–9 (NIV) “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!”

4. The Work of the Holy Spirit

John 16:13 (NIV) “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.”

5. Intercession for the Lost

2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise… He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

6. God’s Heart for the Vulnerable

James 1:27 (NIV) “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

7. Personal Surrender & God’s Guidance

Psalm 51:10 (NIV) “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

This prayer was written to glorify God, intercede for others, and inspire daily devotion. It’s a personal reflection of gratitude, repentance, and surrender to our Lord Jesus Christ. May these words draw you closer to the heart of God.

Seriously

A call to remember what truly matters

Do you know of anyone who spends 1 hour and 30 minutes recognizing God, giving Him praise, saying, “Hallelujah to Your holy name,” and then waits until next Sunday morning to repeat it — to play it back?

Some days, I can’t believe Jesus would leave Heaven with a mission to die on the Cross for sinners.

What would it take for humanity to believe the Father loves us? Let’s not forget — He sent His Son.

John 5:22 “For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son.”

Can you imagine? On Judgment Day, standing before Jesus — and it’s verified:

· 1,000,000 hours watching television

· 1,500,000 hours on your cell phone

· 250,000 hours on Sunday mornings reading the Bible

All the time you ever spent on anything related to God — totaled.

And then you say, “I can explain.”

But before you can, Jesus responds with the verse that says there is no excuse:

John 15:22 (NIV) “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin.”

Let us all take our walk with God seriously.

Heavenly Father, your love wakes me up this morning.

Jesus Christ, your Word uncovers my sinful nature this morning.

Holy Spirit, your breath breathe empowerment on me and revive my soul this morning.

“Jesus Will Always Be There”

Finding Strength, Peace, and Hope in Every Season

Philippians 4:7 (NIV) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

When believers’ faith is challenged — when we’ve been betrayed in relationships, when bad news shakes our world, when life feels empty, and when we feel inadequate because we haven’t yet discovered our purpose — remember this: Jesus offers a peace that surpasses all understanding. He is near to the brokenhearted and close to the crushed in spirit. Lean on Jesus. Be patient. Seek Him diligently. Study His Word. In due time, things will shift in your life's atmosphere.

Psalm 34:18 (NIV) The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

“Don’t lose hope in the One who Saves.”

Thinking Positive

"If you leave your thoughts unleashed and unfiltered, you will eventually reflect and act like the world rebelling against God. Make every effort to kill the flesh within and set your mind on things above."

Colossians 3:1–2 (NKJV)

1If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.2Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

The Right Thing 2 Do

Stop letting culture shape your thoughts.

Stop envying those God has blessed.

Stop believing you’re better than others — you’re a sinner too.

Stop letting past wounds keep unforgiveness alive.

Stop hating your brothers and sisters because of skin color.

Stop going to bed with unrepentant sin in your heart.

Stop grieving the Holy Spirit with the way you live.

❓ How BIG is sin?

Sin will cause a person to turn away from Christ.
Sin will cause a person to go back to their old ways.
Sin will cause a person to reject the only sacrifice that offers eternal life.

Lifestyles

A Call to Examine the Way You Live and Choose Spirit Over Flesh

Don’t be the one running from spiritual discernment or lacking understanding of God’s Word. Many race toward fleshly desires as self‑gratification screams, “More — I need more.”

Countless individuals never checked their behavior at the door. There is real damage in the one who says, “That’s all I know.”

Darkness sleeps with the one who allows its presence to rest on the pillow — blind to the attraction of the light.

A person’s actions reveal their identity by the fruit they bear — or fail to bear.

Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV): “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

Moreover, there is no denying whether one is living by the Spirit or living by the flesh — there is no in‑between. Desires unleashed are a train without brakes.

A lifestyle shaped by the world and rejecting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is an enemy of God. A sinful nature, at the appointed time, will be separated from God. Stop becoming reckless. Be very careful who you associate with — the atmosphere is full of darkness.

You cannot hide from the eyes of the Creator; your actions are visible; for He does not sleep. Let your priority be to deny and kill your flesh and make every effort to please our Heavenly Father.

Commitment to God on this day.

Galatians 5:19-21 (NKJV) Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: [a]adultery, [b]fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, [c]murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Let your actions demonstrate the love and character of Christ. Choose this day to stand firm in righteousness. Why are you not concerned about the serious consequences of your actions on Judgment Day, when you stand before a Holy God — Jesus Christ?

This is why Scripture confronts us with a choice.

Joshua 24:15 (NKJV) And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Side Bar: “And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord…”

Meaning: If you see serving God as a burden, be honest with yourself and choose – decide today whom you will serve. A Call to Examine the Way You Live and Choose Spirit Over Flesh

Don’t be the one running from spiritual discernment or lacking understanding of God’s Word. Many race toward fleshly desires as self‑gratification screams, “More — I need more.”

Countless individuals never checked their behavior at the door. There is real damage in the one who says, “That’s all I know.”

Darkness sleeps with the one who allows its presence to rest on the pillow — blind to the attraction of the light.

A person’s actions reveal their identity by the fruit they bear — or fail to bear.

Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV): “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

Moreover, there is no denying whether one is living by the Spirit or living by the flesh — there is no in‑between. Desires unleashed are a train without brakes.

A lifestyle shaped by the world and rejecting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is an enemy of God. A sinful nature, at the appointed time, will be separated from God. Stop becoming reckless. Be very careful who you associate with — the atmosphere is full of darkness.

You cannot hide from the eyes of the Creator; your actions are visible; for He does not sleep. Let your priority be to deny and kill your flesh and make every effort to please our Heavenly Father.

Commitment to God on this day.

Galatians 5:19-21 (NKJV) Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: [a]adultery, [b]fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, [c]murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Let your actions demonstrate the love and character of Christ. Choose this day to stand firm in righteousness. Why are you not concerned about the serious consequences of your actions on Judgment Day, when you stand before a Holy God — Jesus Christ?

This is why Scripture confronts us with a choice.

Joshua 24:15 (NKJV) And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Side Bar: “And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord…”

Meaning: If you see serving God as a burden, be honest with yourself and choose – decide today whom you will serve.

It Was Me the Whole Time

The reality is — the truth hurts.

The culture I live in manages to infiltrate my heart and mind; in exchange for my soul, it influences my desires. “I now have a problem.”

I can continue to satisfy my flesh with self‑gratification; the choices and decisions are available to me. But a strong conviction has taken over my will. My heart has awakened. “This should not be my lifestyle.”

Romans 12:2 (AMP) And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is— that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

David asked himself, “What is unclear about my walk with the Lord?” As he continued examining his heart with a series of questions, he concluded this:

If I’m posting on multiple platforms — but not living by the words of Jesus and His teachings — am I a hypocrite?

Should I shut everything down, place myself at the feet of the Cross, get my relationship with Christ right first, repent, and ask forgiveness?

Furthermore, I do not want to confuse anyone or give anyone a reason to badmouth the Good News of the Gospel.

I concluded this: Be careful what you put in ink if you are not living it — because of “The Appointed Time.”

“I am not an entertainer.”

James 3:1 (AMP) Not many [of you] should become teachers [serving in an official teaching capacity], my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who are teachers will be judged more strictly.

The Great Pretender

Exposing the Pretender

Back in 1955, a song hit the radio waves with a sweet melody but an explosive truth. “The Platters - The Great Pretender.” It talked about the person who pretends — the one acting like life is perfect, no worries, no struggles, everything “peachy.” It’s a performance. A role for some that never ends. A mask worn through every season of life.

Sorrow is real.
Loneliness is real.
Heartbreak is real.

Countless people walk around smiling while their souls are crying for help.

If you and I are being honest with ourselves, have we placed a mask over our hearts?” Have we dressed up in a spiritual wellness outfit to survive church service, our place of employment, or even around friends and family? “Would we win an Oscar for our outstanding performance?” We all have struggles in life. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Sometimes the enemy isn’t the only one playing pretend.

Then you have the other side — the phrase “heart on my sleeve.” It comes from Shakespeare’s Othello, and now it’s everywhere. It simply means this: what you see is what you get. No acting. No pretending. The heart speaks honestly.

But spiritually, we deal with a different kind of pretender — a dangerous one. The adversary is the master of disguise.

2 Corinthians 11:14 (ESV) And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

Paul wasn’t playing games. He warned the church because deception doesn’t look evil. It shows up charismatic. Religious. Polished. Smooth‑talking.

2 Corinthians 11:13 (NIV) For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.

This is why believers need the Holy Spirit. Discernment isn’t optional. Don’t get caught up in charisma. Don’t be impressed by the stage presence.

Don’t put people on pedestals.
Look for fruit.
Test the spirit.

Peter said the same thing:

2 Peter 2:1–3 (NIV) But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

We’re living in a world full of lawlessness. So I’ll say it again: test the spirit. God’s judgment is real. Remember the flood. Remember Sodom and Gomorrah. Walk wisely.

John reinforces it:

1 John 4:1-3 (ESV) Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.

The spirit of deception is active in today’s society — and if you and I get caught slipping and fail to stay steadfast in the Word of God, hear the Holy Spirit, and walk in discernment, we are vulnerable to being led astray.