Text: Various

Introduction

• Phillip Yancey has a book called "Finding God in Unexpected Places"
• In this book, he mentions the presence of God in places like a slum, a gym, the prisons of Peru or Chile and other places.
• In our minds, we understand that God is only in certain places.
• Often in beautiful places where total joy and happiness reigns.
• Let's see at least 4 places in the bible where we don't expect to find blessing.

• Joseph cried 5 times when he encounters with his brothers.
• Genesis 42:24
• Genesis 43:30
• Genesis 45:2
• Genesis 45:14
• Genesis 45:15
• Genesis 37:7,24,25,27
  A family story of hate, envy, revenge and lies.
  20 years later, it becomes a great blessing.

• The main idea of the book of Job isn't suffering.
• The main idea is faith. To show God's love.
• Job 1:12 - everything happened with God's permission.
• Chapter 42 is interpreted by many people as the "heaven"
• Job 1:10 - "he prayed for his friends"
  Application: Suffering make people humble, human

• "A thorn in the flesh". What would that be?
• Suffered with marriage life? Was he single? Did he have a vision problem?
• II Corinthians 12:8 - Paul prayed to get rid of his problem.
• II Corinthians 12:9 - God's grace would be sufficient.
• Psalm 63: 3 - God's grace is better than life.

• Captive because of his love for Jesus, he writes the book of Revelation.
• Illustration: Nelson Mandela 25 years in prison. Gets out of prison and becomes the president.

Conclusion

• As unexpected as your situation may be, remember Joseph, Job, Paul, John; faith heroes
• Surprises for us are not surprises for God.
• God is wise, he doesn't make mistakes. Too powerful to make a mistake.
• Even though we don't see his hand holding ours, let's trust on Him.
• Matthews 27: 46 "My God, my God". A cried out of despair.
• How can a tragedy like this be a great blessing?
• John 21:1-3 - "Peter said to them: I'm going fishing."
• Matthews 28:9 -"Rejoice!"
• The greatest blessing is Jesus dying on the cross to be our Savior.