Sermon Series Blog: Encounter Pt.7
Pt. 7: The Unusual Ways God Works
Introduction
Whether you’ve been in church for years or this is your first Sunday, you’ve probably heard the phrase: The Lord works in mysterious ways. Surprisingly, there isn’t a direct Bible verse that says this. However, Romans 11:33 speaks to the complexity of God’s plan, showing that we might not always understand His reasoning.
I can attest, and I know many of you can too—God truly does work in mysterious ways.
There was a moment in my life when I was actively running from Christ. I was at a party with friends, and a girl who had too much to drink blurted out, Wow, Dan is getting drunk… the future pastor is getting a little wobbly. That was a wake-up call.
That same night, an old friend—one I had pushed away to pursue partying—showed up at my house. He didn’t judge me, didn’t call me out for being a bad friend, but simply was there for me. In that moment, I saw how God was working behind the scenes, sending a messenger of love and grace. God used a drunk girl and a forgotten friend to call me back to Him.
God often uses unusual means to bring people to salvation.
Point 1: Every Circumstance
Today, we’ll explore Acts 16, where we see three unique encounters of people coming to Christ. These encounters show that the gospel is for everyone in every situation.
Encounter 1: Lydia – A Wealthy Merchant
Paul and his team arrived in Philippi after being led by a vision to Macedonia. There, they met Lydia—a successful businesswoman who sold purple cloth, a luxury item worn by the wealthy. She was already a worshiper of God, but had not yet encountered Christ.
Acts 16:14 tells us, The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. Lydia and her household were baptized, and she invited Paul’s team into her home. This was the beginning of the church in Europe.
Paul had initially wanted to go to Lydia’s hometown, but the Holy Spirit led him elsewhere. Little did he know that God had already orchestrated this divine appointment in Philippi.
Encounter 2: The Slave Girl – A Life of Oppression
As Paul and his team were ministering, they encountered a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination. Her owners exploited her for fortune-telling profits. For days, she followed Paul, shouting, These men are servants of the Most High God! Finally, Paul commanded the spirit to leave her in Jesus’ name, and she was set free (Acts 16:17-18).
We don’t know for sure if she became a believer, but many theologians believe the Philippian church took her in after her deliverance. Unfortunately, her owners missed their opportunity for salvation and instead had Paul and Silas arrested.
Encounter 3: The Jailer – An Ordinary Worker
Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned, but instead of despairing, they worshiped God. At midnight, a miraculous earthquake shook the prison, breaking their chains. The jailer, assuming the prisoners had escaped, was about to take his own life when Paul stopped him: Don’t harm yourself! We are all here! (Acts 16:28).
The jailer, trembling, asked, What must I do to be saved? Paul and Silas replied, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household (Acts 16:31). That night, the jailer and his family were baptized, and their lives were transformed.
Point 2: The Same Gospel for All People
These three encounters show how the gospel reaches everyone:
Lydia represents the wealthy and religious who need the gospel.
The slave girl represents the oppressed and enslaved who need freedom in Christ.
The jailer represents the working-class and duty-bound who need salvation.
The gospel is for everyone—rich, poor, oppressed, and ordinary workers alike.
Paul originally expected to find men to start the church in Europe, but God had different plans. If Paul had stuck to his own expectations, he might have overlooked the very people God had prepared to receive the gospel.
Point 3: Our Job & Their Choice
Acts 16:14 tells us, The Lord opened Lydia’s heart to respond. Salvation is ultimately God’s work. Our job is to be faithful in sharing the gospel, but the choice to accept Christ lies with each individual.
Some will choose Christ, and we will rejoice! Others will reject Him, just as the slave girl’s owners did. Yet, we must remain faithful.
When Paul and Silas were unjustly beaten and imprisoned, they didn’t focus on revenge or escape—they focused on glorifying God. Their worship led to the jailer’s salvation. Likewise, when we are treated unfairly, it can be an opportunity for witness.
Conclusion
God uses every circumstance to draw people to Himself.
He used a successful businesswoman, a slave girl, and a jailer to build the church in Philippi.
He used a drunk girl and a forgotten friend to bring me back to Him.
He can use your life—your hardships, your victories—to reach those around you.
The question is: How willing are you to follow God’s call? Are you ready to get uncomfortable for the sake of the gospel?
Like Timothy, who endured circumcision to reach the Jews… Like Paul and Silas, who endured beatings and imprisonment to preach the gospel… Like Lydia, the jailer, and the slave girl, who all encountered Jesus in different ways…
Will you say YES to God’s call today?
