Adjective – a word that describes the qualities, attributes or characteristics of something else. We tend to prefer certain adjectives of God over others: ‘loving’ over ‘just’; ‘omnipotent’ over ‘omnipresent’, perhaps. 

This week, we examine one of the more difficult adjectives of God: ‘unpredictable’. We do so through the obstacles placed on Paul and his companions in his ministry, as described in Acts 16. Note that these obstacles were placed by the Holy Spirit, who actually forbade Paul to do something we normally think of as good – preaching God’s Word to those who need it. 

Through the experience described, we learn a number of things. Firstly, we learn that we won’t know when on our journey God will decide to reveal important information. Secondly, we learn that we won’t know how God will decide to communicate that information. We need guidance from the Holy Spirit when faced with seemingly good options. Thirdly, we won’t know what God wants us to do between all the good options we have.

So, how should we react to our unknowing? May we remind ourselves of what we do know: who God is – loving, just, all-powerful, ever-present, etc. The other adjectives of God. And then act in constant communication with Him, not only in big steps but also in small ones. In his mercy, He might reveal to us our path in the end.