God’s Upside Down Strategy

Throughout history, God often has acted in ways that people find surprising and unexpected.

When Israel was in bondage in Egypt, God did not send an army, but just one man—Moses—and delivered His people not with military might, but with supernatural miracles.

When the Israelites faced the seemingly impregnable city of Jericho, God ordered them not to attack but instead to march around the city, blowing trumpets.

When Israel was assaulted by the Philistines, God sent a shepherd boy (David) to be their deliverer. And he defeated their mightiest warrior, not with a sword but with a sling and a stone.

After Jesus’ Resurrection, His disciples were afraid and not sure what to do. Into this environment of uncertainty, God sent the Holy Spirit, whose power and presence changed the world.

When Palestine was occupied by Romans, God did not raise up warriors to lead a military rebellion. Instead, He sent a baby.

The Bible tells us that God does not think like a man (Numbers 23:19). He is sovereign over space and time and all the people and events on the earth. But He often does not act in ways we might expect. He acts His way, according to His plan.

God’s actions may seem foolish to the world, but through these “foolish” plans, He shames those who think they are smart. And, in frequently surprising ways, He accomplishes His purposes.

God has not changed. He still acts in ways that are surprising and unexpected. As He demonstrated when He sent Jesus into the world, He has a plan for the nations. And He has a plan for your life. He may act in ways that surprise you and that you might not understand. But know that you always can trust Him.