God's Surprising Ways

The Gospel Story
God’s Surprising Ways
Genesis 25:19-34

God often works in surprising ways through unlikely people for His own glory and to accomplish His purposes.

The Story

1. God’s plan is Revealed (19-23)
2. God’s plan is accomplished in Unlikely Ways (24-28)
3. God’s plan is accomplished through Unexpected People (29-34)

The Lessons

1. When you don’t understand what God is doing, don’t Plot but Pray (21, 22)

Father, I believe you will use this until you choose to remove this. Grant me wisdom to see as you see and strength to do as you say. Bring glory to your name and keep my faith in you.

2. Decide daily to live by God’s Promises and not just by what you can see and understand

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16–18, ESV)

“for we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV)

3. People are created purposefully Unique and Different by God – celebrate it!

4. Beware the dangers of Favoritism

5. A pattern of Instant Gratification leads to long term pain and regret

“We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.  The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.”  Jim Rohn

6. Don’t make decisions out of Desperation

7. Refuse to Devalue what God calls us to value (34)

“To the birthright belonged pre-eminence over the other branches of the family. To the birthright appertained a double portion of the paternal inheritance. To the birthright was attached the land of Canaan, with all its sacred distinctions. To the birthright was given the promise of being the ancestor of the Messiah—the 'firstborn among many brethren'—the Saviour in whom all the families of the earth were to be blessed. And to the birthright was added the honor of receiving first, from the mouth of the father, a peculiar benediction, which proceeding from the spirit of prophecy, was never pronounced in vain. Such were the prospects of Esau.” James Hastings

“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.” (Hebrews 12:15–17, ESV)

“And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” ’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”” (Luke 12:19–21, ESV)

“Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?'” (Matthew 16:24–26, ESV)

8. God’s purposes will be fulfilled even if we choose a Sinful Path

“What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, 'That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.'” (Romans 3:3–4, ESV)

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, ESV)

““Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” (Acts 2:22–23, ESV)

God often works in surprising ways through unlikely people for His own glory and to accomplish His purposes.

Questions for Reflection:

• How have you responded to God’s call to turn from your sin and trust in the perfect provision of Jesus Christ on your behalf?
• As you look back on your life, how have you seen God use surprising ways and unlikely people to work in your life?
• Which of the lessons above do you sense God is asking you to give focused attention to in the days ahead? What will you do to practically apply this lesson 
• What is the next step of obedience that God is calling you to take right now?

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