God's Unpredictable Ways

The following blog is a summary of a message preached by Pastor Eddie Lawrence.

Watch the Sermon HERE!

Have you ever noticed that God often moves in ways we don't anticipate? His methods of blessing us can be surprising, even bewildering at times. While God's character remains constant, His methods are wonderfully unpredictable.

How Does God Work in Our Lives?

God has some wild ways of releasing His blessing into our circumstances. He doesn't always chart His course by the plans we've laid out. Often, we formulate our plans and want God to bless them instead of finding out what His plan is and getting in on His blessing.

God is Both Predictable and Unpredictable

This might sound contradictory, but both statements are biblically true:

• God is absolutely predictable in His character and attributes

• God is often unpredictable in His methods and timing

 

God is always faithful and just. If you have a need, there's a promise for that. But He may meet that need in one of a thousand different ways that you can't predict.

The Fishy Story from Matthew 17

In Matthew 17:24-27, we find a fascinating story that illustrates God's unpredictable ways:

When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, "Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?" He said, "Yes." And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes? From their sons or from strangers?" Peter said to Him, "From strangers." Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are free. Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money. Take that and give it to them for me and you."

Jesus could have handled this situation in multiple ways:

• He could have ignored the tax collectors

• He could have claimed His divinity as exemption

• He could have used money from the disciples' purse

• He could have chosen to offend them

 

Instead, He chose the most unexpected solution - sending Peter fishing for a coin in a fish's mouth!

What Can We Learn from This Story?

God Wants to Add His Supernatural to Your Natural

Jesus chose to use Peter's skill set (fishing) combined with His own supernatural abilities (word of knowledge, miracles). This principle applies to us today: God wants to add His supernatural element to your natural skill set.

Whatever He's given you to do - whether you're a healthcare worker, teacher, engineer, business owner, or homemaker - God wants to add the element of the supernatural to what you're already able to do well. This takes your abilities to a whole new level because you're inviting the Kingdom into your everyday work.

Expect the Unexpected from God

Here are some important principles about God's unpredictable ways:

• He will often do things in a way you do not expect

God's methods frequently surprise us, challenging our preconceptions.

 

• He will often use people that you would not choose

God doesn't choose based on human qualifications. He uses "the foolish things to confound the wise."

 

• He will often surprise you with something better than you expect

When you're going on business for God, the sky isn't even the limit. He can "do exceedingly abundantly above all that you could ever ask or think."

 

• He will often take longer than you think He ought to take

David waited 20 years between anointing and coronation. Joseph waited 20 years for his dreams to be fulfilled.

 

• He will often do things in a way that eliminates our bragging rights

When God works His way, no human can take credit for it.

 

• He will speak to you in different ways by different means

God communicates through His Word, angels, dreams, visions, gifts of the Spirit, circumstances, and miracles of timing.

 

How Should We Respond to God's Unpredictable Ways?

The key is to keep your eyes on Jesus. When you're aware of a need:

• Go into the presence of Jesus

• Listen to what He says

• Obey what He tells you to do

 

Remember that God will never speak contrary to His Word or in a way that violates His character. But within those guardrails, what an adventure awaits you!

Life Application

This week, I challenge you to bring your skill set and offer it to God, asking Him to add the supernatural element to it. Partner with Him for the adventures, miracles, breakthroughs, and answers to prayer that lie ahead in your future.

Ask yourself these questions:

• What need or breakthrough am I currently facing?

• Am I trying to dictate to God how He should solve my problem?

• Am I making time to hear God's voice about my situation?

• What natural skills do I have that God might want to supernaturally enhance?

• Am I willing to follow God's direction even if it seems unusual or unexpected?

 

God is unpredictable yet so predictable. He changes not, but He puts coins in fishes' mouths. Trust Him with your needs today, and be open to His surprising methods of provision.