When God Stirs the Pot

Haggai 1:14

Periodically, there is a church in town that puts up a sign announcing a revival. When I see this sign, I’m not sure whether to laugh or to cry. Something inside of me wants to laugh at the thought of God with a PDA. The idea of God being scheduled by man to do something is hilarious. The concept of God responding to man’s plans and schedules is simply anti-Bible. God moves when He wants, where He wants, how He wants, and why He wants. Man is not consulted. In Romans eleven, the apostle Paul asks, “…who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again?” (vs. 34,35) And then He comments, “… from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him [be] the glory forever. Amen.”

God is not a colleague to be reasoned with on a level plain or an executive to be scheduled or a consultant contracted to work for us. He is God; He deserves our worship. Whenever we approach Him, it should be in awe. Revival comes from Him. The wind, Jesus taught us, blows where it will; God’s Spirit also works in the same way. He invites us to call. He invites us to plead, but His wisdom and purposes direct His sovereignty.

The Bible is a book of surprises. Over and over again, we are faced with the unexpected and the unlikely happening. David was the last choice of his father, but the first choice of God. Lazarus is dead; Jesus is late; Lazarus lives again. Paul was the enemy of the church; but he becomes its most dynamic leader. In our text, the people are discouraged, their priorities misdirected, and then God stirs the pot. When God moves, eternal things happen.

William Cowper, British poet and hymnist, writes:

God Moves in Mysterious Ways

God moves in a mysterious way,

His wonders to perform;

He plants His footsteps in the sea,

And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines

Of never failing skill,

He treasures up His bright designs,

And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,

The clouds ye so much dread

Are big with mercy, and shall break

In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,

But trust Him for His grace;

Behind a frowning providence,

He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,

Unfolding every hour;

The bud may have a bitter taste,

But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,

And scan His work in vain;

God is His own interpreter,

And He will make it plain.

When God Stirs the Pot

INTRODUCTION

Outline of the Old Testament

The Perfection

The Power

The Promise

The People

The Person

The Possibility

The Point

INSTRUCTION

The Message

2. The Messenger

3. The Miracle