Unpredictable God

Daily Reading:  Job 32-33

For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. (Job 33.14)

Devotional Thought: Recently I gained some new friends who are teachers in Moldova.  They have been in the U.S. to visit family and friends and are preparing to return.  While here, however, they were contacted to interview for a pastoral position at a church in Kentucky.  Having gone on the unexpected interview, they are now praying about what to do!  They shared with me, "We usually know how God is speaking, but this time, he's not doing it the same!"

We like a God who is predictable, don't we?  We want to think that we have God's will and ways figured out.  But, then he upsets our neatly stacked apple carts.  We discover that his ways are not our ways; his thoughts are not our thoughts.  For all the uncertainty and frustration, isn't that exciting?!

In today's chapters of Job, we are introduced to a new character.  Elihu, a young man, has been listening to Job and his three friends and can no longer hold back his speech.  In the course of his speech, he says something that we need to remember.  "God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it."

Is there something in your life that you are struggling to perceive?  Perhaps, like my friends, an opportunity to do something different?  Maybe God is calling you to step into a new ministry?  Or maybe you are facing an unwanted situation simply thrust upon you by life?  The temptation is to expect God to lead in the same way that you have always experienced him before.  But, I encourage you to be open to God speaking in a new way.  Perhaps God is saying, "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" (Isaiah 43.19).

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being such an exciting God!  Do something new in me and through me today!  Please help me to perceive it and pursue it with all my heart!  Amen

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 123:1-4

1 To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!

2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he has mercy upon us.

3 Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt.

4 Our soul has had more than enough of the scorn of those who are at ease, of the contempt of the proud.