Expect the Unexpected

From the JSMI Australia Blog

by | 1 Nov 2023 | JSMI Newsletters

It’s a pivotal moment in your life, a time when you cast aside the limits that have held you back and choose to believe that God can lead you to a place of blessing and prosperity like never before.

Recently, I received a profound revelation, a message from the Lord that I want to share with you. He spoke to my heart and said, “When you’re challenging people to go to the maximum and the highest level attainable, tell them to expand their thinking and start expecting the unexpected.”

These words have ignited a fire within me, and I believe they are meant for us to embrace wholeheartedly.

As we dive into the depths of this divine guidance, I am reminded of the story of Simon Peter in Luke 5:4 when Jesus instructed him to “launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon’s response, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net,” is a testament to the power of expecting the unexpected.

Simon’s “nevertheless” opened the door to a miraculous catch of fish. He didn’t let his fatigue or past failures deter him. Instead, he chose to act in faith and obedience. It’s clear that he wasn’t initially expecting the unexpected, but his willingness to heed Jesus’s words changed everything.

The story goes on to show us that as they obeyed Jesus and cast their nets, they experienced a bountiful harvest. The nets were breaking, the boat was sinking, and Peter had to call on his partners for assistance. It’s a vivid demonstration of the incredible results that can emerge when we expect the unexpected.

What strikes me most is that it wasn’t just Peter’s own expectation that produced the miracle; it was also God’s plan. This should encourage you to believe that you, too, can see extraordinary things happen in your life when you align your expectations with God’s plan.

Reading the Bible consistently inspires you to cultivate an attitude of expecting the unexpected every day. Begin waking up with anticipation, knowing that God is working in ways you may not comprehend. Refuse to confine Him to your limited understanding or demand that He repeats past miracles in the same way. Instead, begin to allow God to be God, understanding that He has countless ways to meet your needs, many of which you couldn’t even fathom in a thousand years.

He’s the God of surprises. He’s famous for unexpected acts. And because of this, He wants you to be open to numerous new ways that He can come through for you.

So let God be God, and dare to believe that He’s going to take you to the maximum. And one of the ways He’s going to do it is through more and more surprises.

God is the master of surprises, the author of the unexpected, and I’ve embraced this truth in every fiber of my being. Each day, as I rise in the morning, I do so with the excitement of expecting the unexpected. I start my day with the firm belief that God is going to do something that will take my breath away, something I could never have foreseen.

Think about the story of Lazarus found in John 11. When Jesus stood before the tomb and commanded, “Take away the stone,” Martha’s response was far from expecting the unexpected. She cautioned, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.” It’s as though she was more prepared for the stench of death than the miracle of resurrection. 

Yet, Jesus was gently urging her to do just that – expect the unexpected. He simply rolled away the stone and brought Lazarus back to life. It wasn’t because Martha expected it; it was because He expected the unexpected. And these stories were written so that you might believe that He can still do what men say is impossible!

This is the essence of our faith – to believe in a God who delights in defying the natural order of things, a God who thrives on surprises and unexpected acts. When you face situations that seem impossible, when you wonder how God will provide or turn things around, your response should be the same: to expect the unexpected.

The stories I share with you are not merely anecdotes; they are faith-builders and confidence-boosters in the God of limitless possibilities. We serve El Shaddai, “The God in whom nothing is impossible,” and from this moment forward, become resolute in your determination to expect the unexpected.

When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, it was a testament to His expectation of the unexpected. God’s fame is built on His surprising acts, and I, for one, stand ready to receive them. I refuse to be among those who don’t expect the unexpected. Instead, I am part of the rare breed who does. Yes, I expect it, and I believe you do too!

God has surprised me countless times in my life, and it’s these surprises that have instilled in me the unwavering conviction that every day, before the sun sets, God will do something extraordinary, something entirely unexpected.

So, it’s time to release your expectations from the constraints of the ordinary and let God be God. Dare to believe that He will lead you to the maximum by orchestrating unexpected acts and showering you with His delightful surprises.

I can’t help but marvel at how often I’ve been at precisely the right place at precisely the right time, and each of these moments has left an indelible mark on my heart. It’s these divine appointments, guided by the Holy Spirit, that have brought me some of the most unexpected and cherished blessings.

I’ve witnessed God’s surprises unfold before me, not because of my meticulous planning or my own wisdom, but because I’ve learned to lean into the leading of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:16 in The MESSAGE paraphrase beautifully encapsulates this concept: “Live … motivated by God’s Spirit.” 

To live your life motivated by God’s Spirit is a call to draw inspiration from Him, to listen closely to His gentle whispers, and to trust that He will always guide you to where you need to be.

When you heed the Spirit’s promptings, you position yourself to be in the right place at the right time. It’s in those moments that unexpected things happen and God’s surprises take center stage in your life. It’s as if the Holy Spirit is your divine GPS, ensuring that you navigate life’s twists and turns with divine precision.

So, my dear friend, I encourage you to spend quality time with the Holy Spirit, allowing His presence to permeate every aspect of your life. As you do, you’ll find yourself in a constant state of readiness to embrace the unexpected and the surprises that God lovingly bestows upon you.

This month’s faith-building resource, titled “Expect the Unexpected,” is sure to ignite your faith and open your heart to God’s delightful surprises. As a token of my appreciation for your faithful support, my team will gladly send you this prophetic audio teaching.

You can give securely and conveniently online, simply go to jsmiaustralia.org, by calling +61 7 5576 5534, or, if you prefer, you can use the enclosed reply slip and postage paid return envelope to give and be sure to check the box to receive my message via CD or MP3.

Your continued support is deeply appreciated, and I am confident that this teaching resource will be a source of inspiration and growth in your spiritual journey.

Remember, God shows no favoritism; His desire is to lead each of us to the maximum, the highest level attainable. His desire is to grace you with unexpected acts and continual surprises. However, in order for this divine intervention to unfold, you must offer Him something to work with – your unwavering confidence and faith in His ability to make it all possible.

So, with faith in your heart and trust in His providence, commit to moving forward, knowing that the unexpected awaits you, and His surprises are just around the corner.

In Him,

P.S. God is capable of doing whatever needs to be done. You will never experience anything in your life that is too big for your God. As you follow God’s lead, I know you will witness extraordinary blessings and miracles that surpass your wildest dreams. I’m here cheering you on in this adventure of Faith. I hope to hear from you soon.

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