What happens when God’s direction surprises you? Has God ever asked you to change course in life? How did that affect you? Maybe as you grew in faith as the Lord impressed on you what was really important in life.
God is full of surprises that He uses to enrich our lives and draw us into a deeper relationship with Him. The Lord is the Good Shepherd, and a good Shepherd is always directing His sheep to care for them in the best way possible.
The Lord surprised my wife and I when He led us into pastoral ministry after we had established careers in different fields. This change in direction changed our lives and the lives of our children who are now adults. We often give thanks for the intervention of Jesus in our live. He set us on a different path and that path has greatly blessed us!
The Lord Surprised the Apostle Peter
Peter was a devout follower of Jesus. Jesus’ last words to him were about the coming of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2: 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” [1]
Ten days later the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost and gave the disciples the power to take His message to the whole world. Peter was a devout Jew and God gave him a vision to change his view of Gentiles. (Gentiles are non-Jews.) Peter was confused at first; he had never broken the purity laws. Now he began to understand God wanted him to associate and minister to the Gentiles.
Surprises always intensify our need for faith and Peter was no different. Acts 10:28 Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. 29 So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for.[2]
Walking out God’s Surprise
If you’re waiting on God to fill in all the shading in your picture, you will never take the first step in obeying His will. It will require trust to step into God’s bare outline. Don’t be afraid to take a step towards His surprising direction. Trust His plan, knowing it will be full of further surprises. Surprises are always a part of God’s leading, and we are greatly blessed as we follow the Good Shepherd. What do you do when God’s direction surprises you? Listen here to learn more:
[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.