Devotional
We often have preconceived notions about how God should work in our lives. We expect Him to appear in certain ways, at certain times, and through certain people. But what if God doesn’t conform to our expectations? In Genesis 18, God appeared to Abraham through three travelers. Abraham didn’t initially recognize this as a divine encounter—he simply saw strangers who needed hospitality. This reminds us that God’s presence might be veiled in the ordinary, coming through unexpected channels and unfamiliar faces. How many times has God shown up in our lives, but we failed to recognize Him because He didn’t match our expectations? Perhaps He spoke through a child’s innocent question, a stranger’s kindness, or even a challenging circumstance. God refuses to be confined to our comfortable boxes and predictable patterns. When we limit how, when, and where God can work, we may inadvertently close ourselves off from experiencing His presence in fresh ways. Let’s release our rigid expectations and open ourselves to God’s unlimited creativity in how He chooses to reveal Himself to us.
Bible Verse
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:2
Reflection Question
What expectations might be limiting your ability to recognize God’s presence and activity in your life? How can you cultivate a more open posture toward His unexpected appearances?
Quote I think a lot of times he has shown up and we didn’t pay him any attention because he didn’t show up the way we thought he should. Should, or when we thought he should, or how we thought he should.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I’ve tried to put You in a box. Help me to recognize Your presence even when You show up in ways I don’t expect. Open my heart to receive You however You choose to reveal Yourself. Amen.