WHEN NATURAL LAWS ARE SUSPENDED
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Joshua 10:12-14
Supporting Texts: Psalm 77:14, Isaiah 55:8-9, Matthew 19:26, Mark 11:23-24, Hebrews 11:3
INTRODUCTION:
In the natural world, laws govern how things operate — the sun rises and sets, seasons change, rivers flow, and life follows predictable patterns. These laws are consistent, reliable, and form the foundation of the physical universe. However, the Bible reveals that God, who created these laws, is not bound by them. There are moments in history, and in our lives, when God suspends natural laws to demonstrate His sovereign power, accomplish His purposes, and reveal His glory.
One of the most extraordinary examples of this divine intervention is found in Joshua 10:12-14, where God commanded the sun and moon to stand still to give the Israelites more time to defeat their enemies. This miraculous suspension of natural laws reminds us that the Creator is greater than creation, and when He steps in, the impossible becomes possible.
As believers, understanding when and how God suspends natural laws builds our faith to trust Him in every situation, especially when circumstances seem impossible by natural standards.
1. GOD IS THE AUTHOR OF NATURAL LAWS AND CAN SUSPEND THEM AT WILL
a) God established the laws of nature (Genesis 1:1-31):
God created the universe and set the laws by which it operates. Yet He remains sovereign over all creation.
b) God is not limited by His creation (Psalm 77:14):
His power transcends natural laws, and He can intervene at any moment to alter circumstances.
c) Miracles occur when God suspends or overrides natural laws (Hebrews 11:3):
Faith in God includes believing that He can change what seems unchangeable.
d) God’s sovereignty is supreme over all forces of nature (Isaiah 55:8-9):
His ways and thoughts are higher than ours; natural laws do not confine Him.
Biblical Example: Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding, suspending natural processes to meet a need (John 2:1-11).
2. THE SUSPENSION OF NATURAL LAWS IS OFTEN TIMED TO FULFILL GOD’S PURPOSES
a) God’s timing is perfect and purposeful (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8):
When God suspends natural laws, it is to ensure His divine plan is accomplished.
b) The sun stood still in Joshua to give Israel victory (Joshua 10:13):
This suspension was not random but targeted to secure the fulfilment of a divine promise.
c) God's miracles confirm His faithfulness and inspire faith (Romans 4:20-21):
They show us that His word and promises are trustworthy.
d) Timing in God’s interventions can shift the course of history (Daniel 6:22):
When God suspends natural laws, it affects lives and nations for His glory.
Biblical Example: Jesus healed the woman who had suffered for 12 years instantly when she touched His garment, suspending the natural progression of her sickness (Mark 5:25-34).
3. FAITH PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE WHEN NATURAL LAWS ARE SUSPENDED
a) Faith allows believers to receive the miraculous (Mark 11:23-24):
Believing in God’s power can cause mountains to move and laws to suspend.
b) Doubt limits the experience of God’s supernatural interventions (James 1:6-7):
To access the suspension of natural laws, unwavering faith is required.
c) Faith activates God’s power in our lives (Hebrews 11:6):
Without faith, it is impossible to please God or see His miraculous work.
d) Believers are called to trust God beyond the natural realm (2 Corinthians 5:7):
Living by faith means expecting the impossible to become possible.
Biblical Example: Peter walked on water only when his faith was fixed on Jesus, defying natural laws of gravity (Matthew 14:28-31).
4. GOD’S SUSPENSION OF NATURAL LAWS REVEALS HIS GLORY AND AUTHORITY
a) Miracles glorify God and testify of His power (John 11:40-43):
When God suspends natural laws, His glory is displayed, drawing people to worship.
b) God’s authority extends over all creation (Colossians 1:16-17):
Jesus holds all things together, showing He can intervene whenever He wills.
c) Divine interruptions inspire awe and reverence (Psalm 29:3-9):
Nature’s disruptions serve as reminders of God’s supremacy.
d) The suspension of natural laws confirms God’s kingship (Revelation 19:6):
His power and reign are unquestionable, over both heaven and earth.
Biblical Example: The resurrection of Jesus from the dead suspended the natural law of death and established His eternal authority (Matthew 28:5-7).
5. BELIEVERS ARE CALLED TO EXPECT AND WALK IN GOD’S SUPERNATURAL POWER
a) God empowers His people to demonstrate His power on earth (Acts 1:8):
The Holy Spirit equips believers to witness miracles and signs.
b) Living in expectation of God’s intervention changes how we approach life’s challenges (Romans 8:37):
We overcome because we believe in divine power beyond natural limits.
c) Prayers of faith can release God’s suspension of natural laws in our situations (James 5:16):
Persistent prayer invites divine breakthroughs.
d) Believers are ambassadors of God’s kingdom, called to manifest His glory (2 Corinthians 5:20):
Walking by faith means carrying the supernatural into everyday life.
Biblical Example: Peter’s shadow healing the sick (Acts 5:15-16) illustrates believers walking in supernatural authority.
CONCLUSION:
When God suspends natural laws, He demonstrates that He is the sovereign Creator who controls the universe. Such moments are powerful reminders that no situation is too difficult or impossible for Him. As believers, we must cultivate unwavering faith that God can intervene in our lives just as He did for Joshua and the Israelites.
This truth should encourage us to boldly expect God’s supernatural intervention, even when circumstances suggest impossibility. God’s power is still active today, ready to defy natural limits and bring breakthrough to every area of your life.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, increase my faith to believe for supernatural intervention in my life.
2. Lord, suspend every natural law that hinders my breakthrough.
3. Let Your miraculous power be evident in my circumstances.
4. I receive divine timing for the fulfilment of Your promises.
5. Empower me by Your Spirit to walk in supernatural authority.
6. I declare victory over every natural limitation in my life.
7. Lord, reveal Your glory through signs and wonders in my life.
8. Help me to pray with boldness and confidence.
9. I receive grace to trust You beyond what I can see.
10. Let every dry bone in my life live again by Your power.
