Surprise parties can be so much fun to plan, especially when the person(s) being celebrated have no suspicions of the festivities that have been arranged in their honor. Seeing the genuine look of surprise on their face can bring a sense of gratification to the planner knowing that everything went as planned.  Not everyone enjoys surprises, however, and would much rather be in on it than being left in the unknown. Many would rather be included in the planning and have a hand in the outcome so that everything will turn out to their particular liking.

Jesus, the Master Planner, has promised glorious surprises await those who remain faithful to His calling. In John 14 Jesus comforted His disciples by saying that He was going to prepare a place for them and that He would return to take them with Him. But the surprise was that He did not say when! In fact, He said that no one would know the hour of His return! For ages we have wanted to be in on it, people have always tried to guess at His coming, and yet, the surprise is still to come!

In John 3:16, Jesus promises that anyone who believes in Him will have eternal life. What a surprise it will be when we arrive in Heaven and behold the Lord in all of His glory and see all the wonders that He is preparing for us!

Jesus encourages us to wait patiently (Romans 8:25). He desires to give us the greatest surprise and we do not have to worry about not being in on it, I can assure you that this is one surprise worth waiting for!

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I am anxiously waiting for the day you reveal all of the surprises you have planned for your children! Help me to be patient and while I wait, help me to focus on readying my heart for your coming. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1.    Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).

The Encounter for today was written by: Veronica B.