God’s plan can seem unusual because we don’t see things from God’s perspective and what He is trying to accomplish. In the Bible, there are many examples where God’s people must trust the Lord’s plan even when it does not make sense. God called Noah to build the ark on dry land in an era it never rained. The Lord told Joshua to have the Israelites march around Jericho each day for six days and seven times on the seventh day. The Lord said the city walls would fall when the priests blew the ram’s horn, and the people shouted as loud as they could.
Has the Lord ever asked you to do something where His plan seemed unusual or beyond your ability? When the Lord has a unique plan, it makes us rely on Him and His wisdom, not ours. The Lord put it on my heart several years ago to write daily devotions. That plan seemed unusual because writing was never my strength, making me rely on the Lord.
Peter Must Trust Jesus to Fish in Deeper Water
Peter was a seasoned fisherman when Jesus had what seemed an unusual request.Luke 5:4“Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” 5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. [1]
Peter trusted the Lord even when his experience told him there would be no fish during that time of the day. Think how Peter was blessed by taking a step of faith, trusting the Lord and not himself, and how His faith grew. A few minutes later, the Lord called Peter to give up fishing to fish for people, and He left everything to follow Jesus. It is common for the Lord to test our faith before a significant assignment.
God Can Do More Than We Can Imagine
Sometimes we need to meditate on God’s word when He calls us to do something that seems impossible. Ephesians 3:20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.[2] Reflecting on this verse gives us confidence that the Lord can work through us to do whatever He asks.
Sometimes the Lord takes you the long way on your journey. We may think the direct route would be a better plan, but God has a different destination than we do. God often reveals His plan for our lives during times of struggle. In addition, God’s promotion methods may start by going in reverse, as Joseph experienced. He was sold into slavery by his brothers, later accused of rape, and imprisoned. The circumstances that Joseph endured did not seem like a training program to be a significant leader in Egypt, but it was. Is the Lord calling you today to trust Him? Take the Lord’s hand and step into the unknown.
To learn how God’s plans can seem unusual, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/follow-called
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Lk 5:4–7). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Eph 3:20). Tyndale House Publishers.