The concept of God's unexpected works is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating the divine ability to operate beyond human understanding and expectations. These works often serve as a testament to God's sovereignty, wisdom, and power, revealing His plans and purposes in ways that defy human logic and anticipation.

Old Testament Examples

1. Abraham and Sarah: One of the earliest examples of God's unexpected works is found in the account of Abraham and Sarah. Despite their advanced age and Sarah's barrenness, God promised them a son. Genesis 21:1-2 states, "Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him." This miraculous birth of Isaac underscores God's ability to fulfill His promises in unexpected ways.

2. Joseph's Rise to Power: Joseph's journey from being sold into slavery by his brothers to becoming the second most powerful man in Egypt is another example of God's unexpected works. What seemed like a series of unfortunate events was, in fact, God's plan to save many lives during a severe famine. Genesis 50:20 reflects Joseph's understanding of God's providence: "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

3. The Exodus: The deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage is a profound demonstration of God's unexpected works. Through a series of miraculous plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, God led His people to freedom. Exodus 14:21-22 describes this miraculous event: "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left."

New Testament Examples

1. The Virgin Birth: The birth of Jesus Christ is perhaps the most significant example of God's unexpected work. Conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, Jesus' birth fulfilled ancient prophecies in a manner that defied human expectation. Matthew 1:22-23 states, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel' (which means, 'God with us')."

2. The Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian faith and a profound example of God's unexpected work. Despite His crucifixion and death, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, conquering sin and death. Luke 24:6-7 records the angel's message to the women at the tomb: "He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and on the third day be raised again.'"

3. The Conversion of Saul: Saul of Tarsus, a fierce persecutor of Christians, experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, becoming the Apostle Paul. This unexpected transformation is a testament to God's power to change hearts and use individuals for His purposes. Acts 9:15 reveals God's plan for Paul: "But the Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.'"

Theological Implications

God's unexpected works challenge believers to trust in His divine wisdom and timing, even when circumstances seem contrary to human understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages this trust: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." These works remind believers that God's ways are higher than human ways (Isaiah 55:8-9) and that He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).