The concept of being open to God's surprises is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where God often acts in unexpected ways to fulfill His divine purposes. Throughout Scripture, God demonstrates His sovereignty and creativity, often working beyond human understanding and expectations. This entry explores the biblical basis for being open to God's surprises, highlighting key passages and themes that illustrate this principle.

Biblical Examples

1. Abraham and Sarah: One of the earliest examples of God's surprising actions is found in the account of Abraham and Sarah. Despite their old age and Sarah's barrenness, God promised them a son. Genesis 21:1-2 records the fulfillment of this promise: "Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him." This narrative underscores the importance of trusting in God's timing and His ability to bring about the unexpected.

2. Moses and the Burning Bush: In Exodus 3, Moses encounters God in the form of a burning bush, an event that defies natural explanation. This surprise encounter leads to Moses' commissioning as the leader who would deliver Israel from Egypt. God's choice of Moses, a man with a speech impediment and a fugitive past, highlights His ability to use unlikely individuals for His purposes.

3. The Virgin Birth: The birth of Jesus Christ is perhaps the most profound example of God's surprising work. The prophecy of a virgin birth, fulfilled in Mary, is recorded in Matthew 1:22-23 : "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel' (which means, 'God with us')." This miraculous event underscores the theme of divine intervention in human history.

4. The Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian faith and a supreme example of God's power to surprise. The disciples, despite Jesus' predictions, were not expecting His resurrection. Luke 24:5-6 captures the moment of revelation: "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!" This event transformed the despair of Jesus' followers into hope and joy, demonstrating God's ability to bring life from death.

Theological Themes

1. God's Sovereignty: The surprises of God often reveal His sovereignty over creation and history. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds believers of the vastness of God's wisdom: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts."

2. Faith and Trust: Being open to God's surprises requires faith and trust in His character and promises. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This assurance allows believers to embrace the unexpected with confidence in God's goodness.

3. Divine Purpose: God's surprises often serve a greater purpose in His redemptive plan. Romans 8:28 assures believers that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This perspective encourages believers to view unexpected events as part of God's unfolding plan.

4. Humility and Submission: Openness to God's surprises requires humility and a willingness to submit to His will. James 4:13-15 advises, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.' You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.'"

Practical Implications

Believers are encouraged to cultivate a posture of openness to God's surprises by nurturing a deep relationship with Him through prayer, Scripture study, and community. This openness allows for a dynamic faith journey, where the unexpected becomes an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding of God's nature and purposes.