Introduction

Good morning, family.

I'm so glad you're here with us today as we dive into God's word together. Today, we’re going to explore a fascinating passage from 2 Kings, which is a perfect reminder that God's blessings often come in unexpected ways, and just how crucial obedience and faith are in our walk with Him.

Before we do that, though, I'd like to share a quote from A.W. Tozer. He once said, "God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible. What a pity that we plan only things we can do by ourselves." This quote truly hits home as we delve into today's scripture reading, and it helps to remind us that God's plans are infinitely greater than ours.

Now, let's turn our Bibles to 2 Kings 3:16-19

God's Unexpected Blessings

God's blessings often come in unexpected ways. This is a truth that we see time and time again in the Bible, and it's a truth that we often experience in our own lives. The story we read today from 2 Kings is a perfect example of this. The Israelites were in a dire situation, trapped in the desert without water for their army or their animals. They were desperate, and it seemed like there was no hope. But then, through the prophet Elisha, God gave them a strange command: "Make this valley full of ditches."

An odd command to the Israelites: They were in a desert, after all. There was no rain, no sign of a storm on the horizon. Why would they need to dig ditches? It didn't make sense. But they obeyed God's command, and the next morning, the ditches were filled with water. God had provided for their needs in a way they never could have anticipated.

God's blessings often come in unexpected ways: We might be praying for a specific outcome, a specific blessing, but God might have something entirely different in mind. His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. He sees the big picture, the end from the beginning, and He knows what's best for us.

In the form of trials or difficulties: James 1:2-4 tells us to "consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Trials are not typically what we think of when we think of blessings, but God can use them to shape us, to grow us, and to make us more like Him.

In the form of unanswered prayers: We might pray for something fervently, believing that it's what's best for us, but God might have something better in mind. He might not answer our prayers in the way we expect, but He always answers them in the way that's best for us.

In the form of everyday miracles: A chance meeting with a stranger who becomes a lifelong friend. A job opportunity that comes out of the blue. A word of encouragement just when we need it most. These are all ways that God blesses us, often in ways we don't expect.

A testament to His love for us: They show His care for us and His desire to provide for us. They remind us that He is in control, that He is working all things together for our good, and that He has a plan for us, a plan to prosper us and not to harm us, a plan to give us hope and a future.

The Necessity of Obedience

Obedience is not just a virtue; it is a necessity in our Christian walk ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO