Embracing God's Surprises: Trusting His Divine Redirection
Summary
Life with God is a journey marked by surprises. When we choose to follow Christ, we often expect blessings, peace, and joy, but what we encounter first and most frequently is the unexpected. The stories of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and so many others in Scripture reveal that God delights in surprising His people, often in ways that disrupt our plans and challenge our sense of control. These surprises are not meant to unsettle us, but to teach us trust—trusting God above our own expectations, beyond our need for security, and even in the midst of discomfort.
Acts 16 offers a vivid example of this divine pattern. Paul and his companions set out with a clear missionary plan, aiming to take the gospel eastward along the Silk Road. Yet, the Holy Spirit intervened, closing doors and redirecting them westward to Macedonia. This “Macedonian call” not only altered Paul’s journey but changed the course of world history, bringing the gospel to Europe and shaping Western civilization. God’s “no” to our plans is never a rejection, but a redirection toward something greater than we could have imagined.
Along the way, God provides surprising companions. In Troas, Luke joins Paul’s team, marking the beginning of a partnership that would bless the early church and generations to come. Luke’s faithfulness, humility, and steadfast presence became a source of strength for Paul, especially in times of trial and loneliness. God often brings people into our lives who become unexpected sources of encouragement, wisdom, and support—reminders that we are never alone in His mission.
God’s surprises also include unexpected benefactors. In Philippi, Paul meets Lydia, a successful businesswoman whose open heart to the gospel leads her to open her home as well. Lydia’s conversion becomes the catalyst for a domino effect of faith, as her household and others in the city come to Christ. Her generosity and hospitality establish the first church on European soil, a community that would become Paul’s most faithful partner in ministry. Throughout history, God has used surprising benefactors—often women of faith and means—to sustain and advance His kingdom.
These stories challenge us to embrace God’s surprises, to trust His redirections, and to become surprising companions and benefactors ourselves. As we open our hearts, homes, and lives to others, we participate in the ongoing story of God’s grace, hospitality, and mission in the world.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Surprises Are Invitations to Trust
When God interrupts our plans with surprises, it is not to frustrate us but to invite us into deeper trust. The loss of control we feel is an opportunity to surrender our expectations and discover that God’s wisdom and timing far exceed our own. Every “no” from God is a redirection toward a greater purpose, if we are willing to follow where He leads. [04:55]
- Redirection Is Not Rejection
God’s closed doors are not signs of His displeasure or rejection, but of His loving guidance. Like Paul, we may set out with good intentions and well-laid plans, only to find God steering us in a completely different direction. Embracing God’s redirection requires humility and faith, trusting that His plans are always for our good and for the advancement of His kingdom. [13:40]
- God Provides Surprising Companions for the Journey
In moments of transition and uncertainty, God often brings unexpected companions into our lives. Luke’s quiet faithfulness and steadfast support became a lifeline for Paul, especially when others deserted him. The presence of such companions is a reminder that God never calls us to walk alone; He weaves our stories together for mutual encouragement and the fulfillment of His purposes. [18:10]
- Generosity and Hospitality Have a Domino Effect
Lydia’s open heart led to an open home, and her hospitality became the seed for a thriving church in Philippi. Acts of generosity—whether financial, relational, or spiritual—often have ripple effects far beyond what we can see. When we welcome others and share what we have, we participate in God’s work of multiplying grace and building community. [28:30]
- Faithful Benefactors Sustain God’s Mission
Throughout history, God has used surprising benefactors—often women whose faith and resources have undergirded the church’s mission. Their stories remind us that supporting God’s work is not limited to public ministry; quiet acts of service, giving, and encouragement are essential to the flourishing of the gospel. We are called to become such benefactors, using whatever God has entrusted to us for His glory and the good of others. [38:10]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - The God of Surprises
[04:55] - Why We Resist Surprises
[07:30] - God’s Surprising Redirections
[13:40] - Paul’s Missionary Plans Changed
[16:20] - The Macedonian Call
[18:10] - Luke: A Surprising Companion
[21:02] - Lydia: The Unexpected Benefactor
[28:30] - The Domino Effect of Lydia’s Faith
[32:45] - Suffering, Praise, and the Jailer’s Conversion
[36:20] - Lydia’s House Becomes a Church
[38:10] - The Legacy of Faithful Benefactors
[42:00] - Modern Testimonies of Hospitality
[46:30] - Becoming Surprising Benefactors
[49:00] - Closing Prayer and Ministry Time
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Embracing God’s Surprises
*(Based on Acts 16 and the sermon summary above)*
---
### Bible Reading
- Acts 16:6-15, 25-40
Paul’s missionary journey, the Macedonian call, the meeting with Lydia, and the events in Philippi.
- 2 Timothy 4:11
“Only Luke is with me.” (Paul’s reflection on faithful companions.)
- Luke 8:1-3
Women who supported Jesus’ ministry.
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 16, what were Paul’s original missionary plans, and how did God redirect them?
[[07:30]]
2. Who joined Paul’s team in Troas, and what is significant about the way the narrative changes in Acts 16:10?
[[18:10]]
3. What do we learn about Lydia’s background and her response to the gospel?
[[21:02]]
4. After Lydia’s conversion, what impact did her hospitality have on the early church in Philippi?
[[32:45]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God sometimes says “no” to our good plans, even when they seem to be for His kingdom? How does the sermon describe the difference between rejection and redirection?
[[13:40]]
2. What qualities made Luke a “surprising companion” for Paul, and why was his presence so important during times of trial and loneliness?
[[18:10]]
3. How did Lydia’s generosity and hospitality create a “domino effect” in Philippi? What does this suggest about the power of one person’s open heart?
[[28:30]]
4. The sermon mentions that God often uses “surprising benefactors,” especially women, to sustain His mission. Why might God choose to work through unexpected people?
[[38:10]]
---
### Application Questions
1. Think about a time when God closed a door or changed your plans. How did you respond? Looking back, can you see how God was redirecting you rather than rejecting you?
[[13:40]]
2. Are there areas in your life right now where you feel unsettled or out of control? What would it look like to trust God with those surprises instead of resisting them?
[[04:55]]
3. Who has been a “surprising companion” in your faith journey—someone God brought into your life unexpectedly? How did their presence encourage or strengthen you?
[[18:10]]
4. Is there someone in your life right now who might need you to be a “Luke” for them—a faithful, humble companion? What is one practical way you could support or encourage them this week?
[[18:10]]
5. Lydia’s open heart led to an open home. What resources (time, home, finances, skills) has God given you that you could use to bless others? Is there a specific person or group you feel prompted to show hospitality or generosity toward?
[[28:30]]
6. The sermon challenges us to welcome and talk to someone new at church, not just stick to our social circle. Who is one person you could intentionally reach out to this Sunday? What might hold you back, and how can you overcome it?
[[46:30]]
7. The legacy of faithful benefactors is often quiet but essential. Are there “behind the scenes” ways you could support God’s mission—through prayer, encouragement, or giving—that you haven’t considered before?
[[38:10]]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for open hearts to God’s surprises, for courage to trust His redirections, and for opportunities to be surprising companions and benefactors in the lives of others.
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Surprises Lead Us Beyond Our Expectations
Following God often means encountering unexpected redirections and surprises that challenge our sense of control. When we walk with God, we quickly learn that His plans are not always what we anticipate, and His “no” is not a rejection but a loving redirection toward something greater. Just as Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and Paul experienced, God’s surprises are invitations to trust Him more deeply, surrendering our need for comfort and predictability. In these moments, we discover that God is in control, and our faith grows as we entrust our unexpected and uncomfortable circumstances to Him. [04:30]
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Reflection: Think of a time when God closed a door you were hoping would open. How might you look for His redirection in your current circumstances instead of seeing it as rejection?
Day 2: God’s Redirection Opens New Doors for His Mission
When God redirected Paul and his companions away from their original plan, He led them to Macedonia, changing the course of history by bringing the gospel to Europe. God’s guidance is sometimes a strong “no” to our well-intentioned plans, but it is always for a greater purpose. Mission is not our project but God’s plan, and absolute obedience and attentiveness to His leading are essential. As we yield to God’s redirection, we may find ourselves part of something far bigger than we imagined, impacting lives and communities in ways we could never have orchestrated ourselves. [12:45]
Acts 16:6-10 (ESV)
And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Reflection: Where might God be redirecting you right now, even if it feels like a detour? What step of obedience can you take today to follow His leading?
Day 3: God Provides Surprising Companions for the Journey
God often brings unexpected people into our lives to walk with us in faith and mission. When Paul adjusted to God’s call, he gained Luke as a companion—someone who would become a faithful friend, supporter, and significant contributor to the early church. Luke’s presence was a blessing not only to Paul but to the entire church, as he faithfully served, wrote much of the New Testament, and stayed with Paul until the end. God’s surprising companions remind us that we are not alone; He provides brothers and sisters in Christ who encourage, support, and walk with us through every season. [18:10]
2 Timothy 4:11 (ESV)
Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.
Reflection: Who has God placed in your life as a surprising companion or encourager? How can you express gratitude or become a “Luke” to someone else this week?
Day 4: God Uses Unexpected Benefactors to Advance His Kingdom
God often uses people we least expect to become key supporters and benefactors in His work. Lydia, a successful businesswoman and worshiper of God, responded to the gospel and opened her home, which became the first church in Europe and a base for Paul’s ministry. Her conversion had a domino effect, leading to the salvation of others and the growth of the church. God continues to use generous and hospitable people—often women, as seen throughout church history—to support and sustain His mission. Our willingness to open our hearts and resources can have far-reaching impact for God’s kingdom. [28:30]
Acts 16:13-15 (ESV)
And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.
Reflection: What resources—time, hospitality, or finances—can you offer to support God’s work or someone in need this week?
Day 5: Prayer and Hospitality Create Lasting Spiritual Impact
Every ministry and movement of God begins with prayer and is sustained by genuine hospitality. Paul and his companions sought a place of prayer in Philippi, and through Lydia’s open heart and home, a church was born that would become a faithful partner in the gospel. The ripple effect of one person’s openness and hospitality can lead to transformation in families, communities, and even generations. As we pray and welcome others—especially those we do not yet know—we participate in God’s surprising work, building a legacy of faith, generosity, and love that echoes far beyond our own lives. [38:00]
Romans 12:13 (ESV)
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Reflection: Who is someone new or unfamiliar at church or in your community whom you can welcome, pray for, or invite into your life this week?
Quotes
Now i have a question for all of us when you plan and pray for something good with all of your sincerity and god says no how do you take it when god said no to your good plan today i want everyone to know a biblical and spiritual truth god's no is not rejection but re -direction let's say together one two three god's no is not a rejection but re -direction you know when god closes one door that does not mean that we sit there and well but we ask god the lord do you want me to keep trying again or is there that should i move on to next option you ask god [00:09:32] (48 seconds)
We see surprises negatively at best with nuisance because surprise means loss of control when god surprises us we learn that we are not in control but god is that's how we learn to trust god and trusting god means in trusting our unexpected uncomfortable surprising circumstances to him yes trusting god means a trusting god above my expectation beyond my need for security and safety trusting god means trusting is a goodness and greatness for us in spite of our comfort and convenience [00:03:00] (44 seconds)
Lydia became a god surprising benefactor to not paul's ministry but god's church and god's kingdom and we have to recognize that she joined the glorious legacy of a godly woman benefactors in the bible and in early church [00:29:57] (18 seconds)
The early church and his children including us stand today on the shoulders of a great church fathers and theologians because of their backs were supported by generous woman benefactors [00:32:38] (16 seconds)
All this happened because of paul is a missionary band adjusted god's call adjusted to god's call so when we follow god god will find us surprising companions yeah that's also my testimony probably that's a many of your testimony when you follow god you will find the many brothers and sisters in christ who are better than your own yes yeah i must confess some of them are better than yeah especially sister part yeah better than mine anyway [00:17:07] (37 seconds)
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