Day 83 – Surprise Me, God

To keep us from discouragement, Brother Lawrence says that God often brings the Christ follower “savory, delicious [spiritual] nourishment, though it never sought nor did anything to obtain it, and in no way contributed to it itself, except by its consent.”

We do actively pursue God. Yet at times God will surprise us with his manifest presence and we experience something wonderful, unexpected and unsought.

A situation changes. A financial benefit. A job breakthrough. A physical touch. A new friendship. A conflict resolves.

When Moses was leading his flock on the far side of the desert, God appeared to him in a burning bush and told him to take off his sandals for he was standing on holy ground (Exodus 3:1-6).

When Jacob left home under awkward circumstances, God revealed himself to Jacob in a dream, and Jacob admitted, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it” (Genesis 28:16).

When Saul (later Paul) was persecuting Christians, God overwhelmed him with a blinding light from heaven and spoke to him (Acts 9:3-9).

Unexpected and unsought.

God is at work and we are often unaware.

When God’s gracious activity exceeds your expectations . . .

When God surprises you with his compassion . . .

When God does more than you ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20) . . .

. . . respond in worship, express gratitude, listen to what God is saying to you, linger in his presence.

Action Step: Pray an adventurous prayer, “Surprise me, God.”

This is God’s Word for you today,
Pastor Dave