In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

How do you respond when God does the unexpected? I am a planner. Before I begin something, I like to determine a plan of action and approximately how long my task will take. In a recent assignment, I thought I knew the plan of action, and I had an idea of the amount of time that would be involved. But then God did the unexpected. 

I admit that when God does the unexpected in my life, my first response is often to resist. I like my own plan. I like the familiar. I haven’t experienced this “unexpected way,” and I become uncomfortable. Can you relate?  

Think of the unexpected ways God worked throughout scripture. God told Abraham to sacrifice his promised son, Isaac. God told Elijah to soak the offering and wood with water before He reigned down fire and consumed it. God revealed to Mary, a virgin, that she would bear the Son of God. God chose Saul, a murderer of Christians, to be His apostle to the Gentiles. Scripture shows us clearly that God often works in unexpected ways! So why am I surprised when he works in unexpected ways in my life?

God tells us our ways are not His ways. His ways are higher than our ways. (Isaiah 55:8-9). When I am tempted to think my way is better, I must remember that God’s way is higher! The Sovereign God of the universe directs all things for His glory and His good purpose. 

Looking back, it is clear to see that God’s past, unexpected work has resulted in my life’s greatest blessings. Walking with God down unexpected paths deepens my dependence upon Him and deepens my faith. It has put the exclamation mark at the end of this sentence: God is loving and faithful! What good work has God accomplished in your life by leading you down an unexpected path?

Lord, help me to rely on you and your higher ways, not on the familiar.

Jan Burkhart