Why are We Surprised?

I heard on the radio this morning that some Christians captured by ISIS last week had been released yesterday unharmed.  The radio announcer said what everyone probably initially wondered- “Why?”  Why were these believers released unharmed when others have been killed for their faith?

There is no indication that these believers suddenly denied their faith either in truth or in a lie to save themselves.  There is no indication that ISIS was threatened in any real way by a government or other faction that would make them put their arms in the air or wave a white flag.  So, again…why?

The answer - God.  God intervened in some real and powerful way. He changed the heart of someone within ISIS enough to make them let these brothers and sisters of ours go.  God’s army won this battle.  And yet, we stand surprised.

We know without a doubt that our God and His heavenly army will win the war against evil in this world, so why are we so surprised when a single battle is won?  We all stand in awe when someone is healed.  We raise our hands in praise, while also shaking our heads in utter disbelief that the thing we’ve prayed for has actually happened. 

I wonder today why this is. Why do we believe in such a big, powerful, all-knowing, and full of love God, but yet are surprised when He moves in mighty ways? 

This is where I’m always encouraged as I minister to children.  They don’t wonder why or even how.  They just believe.  They are not surprised in any way when God is so visibly active.  The world and the God who created it are both real and mysterious, but yet, they are not confused or surprised by any of it.

I believe our surprise is rooted somewhere in how we so easily forget this truth- that we are to become like little children; to humble ourselves like a child.
Matthew 18:1-4- “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"  He called a little child and had him stand among them.   And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

A surprise by definition is to be amazed or astounded because of unexpectedness. If that’s the case, then God and the ways in which He works can be an amazing mystery, but not a surprise. We can expect God to work because He said He would.  No surprises, just praises.