The preacher was delivering his message. He was dynamic and animated, and listeners were hooked on every word he uttered.

Right at the critical moment, with his hands moving dramatically to illustrate his latest point, he managed to knock over a water jug.

He immediately stopped speaking. Everyone looked, mouths open, wondering what this awesome preacher would do and say next! Without saying a word, he knelt down, studied the messy shape of the spilled water and picked up the plastic jug.

The silence continued much longer than the congregation was comfortable with. Coughs, babies crying, even the clock ticking could be heard in the silence! But then he finally rose, intentionally with jug in hand, and moved slowly back to the microphone.

“That’s it,” he uttered with great impact, “the Lord just gave me the best illustration of how God works. When we least expect it He arrives … and it’s often messy! He changes our lives, alters the course of history for us.” And then he promptly sat down!

The worshippers sat in silence, stunned by the simple yet unexpected conclusion of this awesome message. They were touched by the simplicity and power of the Holy Spirit’s message.

May your life today be captured by something messy, unexpected, and unpredictable! Take the time to get down and study the mess well, knowing that our mysteriously loving God again is in charge!

“But when the Father sends the Comforter [the Holy Spirit] instead of me He will teach you much, as well as remind you of everything I [Jesus] myself have told you.” John 14:26

Bruce Wadd brucewadd@todaysthought.sharesong.org