Embracing God's Surprises: Trusting His Divine Redirection

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

• 1. 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]
• 2. 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]
• 3. 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]
• 4. 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]
• 5. 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

1. In Acts 16, what were Paul’s original missionary plans, and how did God redirect them?

1. Who joined Paul’s team in Troas, and what is significant about the way the narrative changes in Acts 16:10?

1. What do we learn about Lydia’s background and her response to the gospel?

1. After Lydia’s conversion, what impact did her hospitality have on the early church in Philippi?

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?

1. What qualities made Luke a “surprising companion” for Paul, and why was his presence so important during times of trial and loneliness?

1. 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?

1. The sermon mentions that God often uses “surprising benefactors,” especially women, to sustain His mission. Why might God choose to work through unexpected people?

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?

1. 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?

1. 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?

1. 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?

1. 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?

1. 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?

1. 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?