God bless you! It’s great to be with you today. Stay connected with us during the week through our daily podcast, YouTube channel, social media, or visit us in person. We’d love to have you at one of our services.
Let me start with something funny. A pastor was walking down the street and saw a group of boys surrounding a small dog. He asked what they were doing, and they explained they were having a contest—whoever could tell the biggest lie would get to keep the dog. The pastor launched into a sermon about lying being a sin and declared that when he was their age, he had never told a lie. Silence fell. Finally, the youngest boy said, “All right, give him the dog.”
Say it like you mean it:
This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. I have what it says I have. I can do what it says I can do. Today, I will be taught the Word of God. I boldly confess: My mind is alert, my heart is receptive. I will never be the same. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Divine Surprises
God has moments of favor lined up for you—unexpected blessings and breakthroughs that you didn’t see coming. You may feel stuck or like nothing is changing, but God has surprises that will overtake you.
Deuteronomy 28 says, “If you obey God’s Word, blessings will overtake you.” One translation says these blessings will “catch you by surprise.” You might be thinking your situation is permanent, but God is full of surprises.
Examples of Divine Surprises
Paul and Silas
Paul and Silas were in prison, chained and without hope. At midnight, a great earthquake shook the prison, doors flew open, and their chains fell off. God said, “Surprise.”
You may feel like you’re in chains, stuck in a situation with no way out. But God’s surprises will come suddenly and unexpectedly.
Abraham and Sarah
Abraham and Sarah waited decades for a child. When Sarah was 90 years old and beyond the natural age to conceive, God said, “Surprise.” Sometimes, God waits so that the miracle will be undeniable.
You may have promises in your heart that seem too late or impossible. Get ready—God is still on the throne, and He hasn’t forgotten what He promised you.
The Man at the Pool of Bethesda
A man had been crippled for 38 years. Day after day, he hoped for healing but never received it. One day, Jesus walked up to him and said, “Do you want to get well?” Without any effort, the man stood up healed for the first time in nearly four decades.
Like this man, you may feel like nothing will ever change. But God sees your faithfulness and has a surprise coming your way.
Blessings Will Chase You Down
Sometimes, we’re chasing dreams, relationships, or health, but what’s even better is what God has chasing you. If you’ll chase God, the blessings will chase you.
At 22 years old, I walked into a jewelry store to buy a watch battery and met the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen—Victoria. It was like God said, “Surprise.”
Years later, we bought an old house as a fixer-upper. What we didn’t know was that the neighborhood was rezoning, and we ended up selling half the property for more than the price of the whole. God turned it into our dream house.
God’s blessings are often more than we can imagine.
The Story of David
David was a shepherd, overlooked and left out. While his brothers held prestigious positions, David faithfully tended sheep. One day, the prophet Samuel arrived at his house, looking for the next king of Israel. David wasn’t even invited to the lineup.
But when Samuel saw him, God said, “Surprise—that’s the one.”
God knows how to cause you to stand out. When you stay faithful, He will send the right people and opportunities your way.
Unexpected Favor
A student in our congregation faced visa issues and couldn’t finish his degree. After trying everything, he went to his school one last time and met someone new in the admissions office. The man recognized him as a volunteer from Lakewood Church and helped extend his visa. On top of that, he was awarded a scholarship for the next three years.
What was that? God saying, “Surprise.”
God has lined up people who will go out of their way to bless you.
Peter’s Net-Breaking Blessing
Peter had fished all night without success. Jesus told him to cast his nets one more time. Peter obeyed, and suddenly, his nets were so full of fish that they began to break.
God’s surprises aren’t just average blessings—they’re net-breaking, boat-sinking blessings. They don’t just bless you—they bless everyone around you.
Your Divine Surprises Are Coming
Like Peter, David, and the man at the pool, you may feel stuck, overlooked, or out of options. But God has divine surprises already lined up for you. They’ll catch you off guard, exceed your expectations, and propel you into your destiny.
EPHESIANS CHAPTER 3 VERSE 20.
Closing Prayer
If you’ve never made Jesus the Lord of your life, pray this simple prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins. Come into my heart. I make You my Lord and Savior.”
If you prayed that prayer, we believe you’ve been born again. Stay connected, get into a Bible-based church, and keep God first place.
Amen!
