Unexpected situations can scuttle our best plans. Vacation plans may need to be postponed due to a sudden occurrence of natural disaster in that country. At the workplace, new technologies may disrupt existing business operations, displacing workers that have not been equipped for new roles. In life, things can go awry due to circumstances beyond our control. Such disruptions can bring about distress as we cope with unforeseen changes.
In John 2, Jesus and His mother were invited to a wedding at Cana. The festive mood was interrupted by an unexpected and embarrassing situation where the wine had run out. One can imagine how anxious the host and banquet manager were as they scrambled to resolve the crisis. Yet it was under such circumstances Jesus performed His first miracle of turning jars of water into choice wine.
Jesus transformed the disruption into a display of His glory (verse 11), thereby strengthening the faith of the disciples. The miracle reveals God as Creator who provides a way out for us in our dire situation. In turning water into superior quality wine, He assures us of new levels of fruitfulness when we learn to trust Him.
Joseph encountered multiple disruptions throughout his life, yet God used him powerfully in these situations, displaying His sovereignty in Joseph's life and in the nations of Egypt and Israel. This was why, at the end of his life, Joseph declared, "What was intended for evil, God intended it for good" (Genesis 50:20, NIV)
Today, God continues to allow disruptions in our nicely-ordered lives to grow and mature our character. He desires for us to move away from our own sense of security and out of our comfort zones, to strengthen our faith as we turn to Him in every situation. His ultimate purpose is to display His power and glory in our lives so that we will be like the disciples in John 2 who "put our faith in Him" (Verse 11). Paul reminds us in Romans 8:28 (NIV), "And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." In the face of disruptions, we can take heart in knowing God has a purpose for them.
Lam Kok Hiang has over 30 years of experience in full-time Christian vocational ministry. He holds a MA (Biblical Studies) from Dallas Theological Seminary and has led Cru Singapore as National Team Leader since 2006. An avid runner, Kok Hiang shares a love for books with his wife, Sharon. Together, their desire is to see young leaders rise up in local churches and missions agencies across Asia.
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