God is not surprised at the things that happen in our lives.
In fact, the Lord is only surprised only when faith arises.
When the centurion said to the Lord, Am a man under authority , having soldiers under me
Jesus is marveled at the faith of centurion.
Matthew 8:7-11
9 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!
But every thing that happens in a believers life does not come as a shock to God.
In fact, recently i was at my workplace on Friday afternoon, there was much burden in my heart to share the gospel. and I found a person in office, and can we go for a walk.
In fact God ordains the steps of a righteous man.
Psalm 37:23
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.
God causes all things to work together for good to those love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Who are called according to the purpose of God.
What is the purpose of God in our lives.
1) To parttake in the Divine nature of God which Adam has lost through sin.
2) To have fellowship with God for eternal life. Joint heirs with Christ.
3) While you live on the earth , be a witness of Christ through your life.
4) To inherit the promises of God.
To those who love God
Loving God is not by rules .
Many think loving God is I finish my Bible reading . I finish my prayer time. I attend daily , I tithe, I fast every Friday.
Your love will be always be revealed in your commitment.
Your commitment is either Yes or No.
It cannot be Maybe.
Today we are living in world of disposals.
Disposable plates, cups,.
You don't like the job , goto new job,
You don't like the Church and you are not getting importantance in your Church , dispose it .
commitment has become a rare thing these days.
If hardships , you quit and goto next thing.
But what sets apart David, the man after God's own heart is this.
His love for God is revealed through his commitment.
When Saul was chasing to kill, still he considered Saul as his king.
He was committed to the authority and even when he got a chance to kill Saul , he didn't kill.
Loving God is through revealing your commitment in everyday walk
We know - Do we know that
God Causes - God moves things, God ordains things.
It does not happen by luck, not a by chance.
Today too many people are dwelling on the idea of luck.
when a person is going to interview, best of luck.
when something bad happens , bad luck
Touch wood, Knock on wood, Fingers crossed
If a cat comes before you leave somewhere, something bad.
luck - random force
The lotterys that happen around the world, the casinos are all driven by the factor called luck. every time you buy a lottery, you are rejecting the sovereign ways of God and saying luck you are my God and am bowing down
Frog story
These are all the patterns of the world.
Anytime a believer does these things, it reveals your lack of trust in the Word of God.
Isaiah 65:11
11 “But because the rest of you have forsaken the Lord
and have forgotten his Temple,
and because you have prepared feasts to honor the god of Fate
and have offered mixed wine to the god of Destiny,
11 “But because the rest of you have forsaken the Lord
and have forgotten his Temple,
and because you have prepared feasts to honor the god of Fate
and have offered mixed wine to the god of Destiny,
Do not be conformed to the patterns of the world.
Romans 12:2
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Psalm 105
17 17 He sent a man before them—
Joseph—who was sold as a slave.
Joseph—who was sold as a slave.
Josephs lives was not a path of roses.
his brothers hated him for the dreams and for the favor his father is showing over him.
How did God send Joseph to Egypt. He was hated by his brothers and sold as a slave.
God can send like this. God wants to save people of Israel from famine, and for that God has to send a man ahead of him. not in the way we think, but he sent him as a slave.
Every bad thing that happens in your life and my life is a for a greater good.
Joseph being sold as a slave is not unlucky for him, But God used this bad thing and turned out as good for all the people.
Luke 12:7
6 “Are not five sparrows sold for two [b]copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Joseph was hurt his feet with chains, his neck was burdened with iron.
In the Journey that God sent him, it may appear that Joseph was hurt by brothers, God is sending him.
After wards, his faith is tested.
The Word of the Lord tested him.
Word of God tested him.
The Word of God, tests every believer.
I could imagine that Joseph heard the Word of the Lord from his father.
So when an environment of sin was around him, he kept himself pure and said how can I sin againsty God.
The Word of God will test everyone in the faith.
How did God sent him again
He was sent to the prison
Before Josepy enters the palace , he has to end up in prison.
Until the time that his word came to pass,
The word of the Lord tested him.
The word of the Lord tested him.
20 The king sent and released him,
The ruler of the people let him go free.
21 He made him lord of his house,
And ruler of all his possessions,
22 To [b]bind his princes at his pleasure,
And teach his elders wisdom.
