Not a Surprise to God
Nothing is a surprise to God. When we are taken aback and surprised by something, understand God who has dominion and authority over all knows what has come to pass before it comes. Although we have not foreseen something He has.
We on the other hand, both those in body and those not currently in a body, do not have unlimited vision and foresight. Not yet, perhaps not ever. It is important to remember this in all we think we know, we only have a piece of what is known.
I think back to 9 11 when I kept praying to God, and finally, He answered me ‘I Know’. Because for some reason back then, I thought maybe God was out of touch with what was happening in the human population. Not only did God know, but He knew it all, the explosives set below, the nefarious intent, perhaps from our own government, and well the whole picture.
So when a surprise happens, trusting God for the outcome long term, saying to yourself, this is not a surprise to God so I will do my best and keep on trusting all is in the divine right order is the way to approach a surprise situation.
Other things you can do;
If someone surprises you and is opposing something you are intent to bring forward and feel it is aligned with what would fulfill your God purpose and mission, you can pray for those blocking you so that God could give them peace and a deeper understanding. You could also ask God to help you understand what their concerns are, from their point of view. Keeping in mind there is the potential for benevolence and helpfulness in the person blocking you or their intentions. Find and acknowledge that, hear their concerns pause so they know you get it, and address those concerns once they get you to understand they are coming from a place not to harm but to stop something perhaps bad they are worried about from their reference point.
God is shaping us into wise loving elders in the human race. We are given opportunities to step out completely of blame and victimhood to wise creators, who show a depth of mercy, understanding, and love. We can exhibit more patience with those who live in fear-based lives.
There is a great deal of suffering in the human realm, we are meant to alleviate suffering.
