Expect the UnexpectedSample

It’s been my observation that in hard times, many of us attempt to plan and predict how God will save us. Seemingly, we dismiss what God says about himself in Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways...” Beloved, prepare for the UNEXPECTED! When the leper Naaman wanted to be healed, he sought out the Prophet Elisha who, as rumor had it, could perform miracles. In his mind, Naaman had it all figured out, but then came the UNEXPECTED message in 2 Kings 5:10, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” Naaman almost scorned a miracle because his own ideas prejudiced him against God’s methods. When he finally submitted to Elisha’s UNEXPECTED response, the Bible tells us that “his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.”

The Apostle Paul had a different experience with God’s ways. He was suffering and was being tormented by searing pain, so he prayed to God for healing. In fact, he prayed three times for healing and received a very UNEXPECTED answer: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." What might have seemed like rejection was actually God calling Paul to a relationship where he would have everything needed to accomplish the will of God in his life. What a promise, Saints! We know that Paul submits to this UNEXPECTED answer: “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." And we know that his submission provides us with two of the most well-known and encouraging verses in the New Testament:

“When I am weak, then I am strong.”

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

I pray you are open to the UNEXPECTED ways that God will meet your needs physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Remember, God is not coming down to your thought pattern but calling you up to His.