This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” (Genesis 2:23 ESV)
Surprises and Faith
In the woods of central Mississippi, we were pursued ten miles by a UFO. As we drove, it followed us through every speed adjustment and every turn. Where we went, the bright light went.
But neither DeAnne nor I were really surprised. I was unsurprised because I knew down deep in my toes that UFO’s exist. But DeAnne was unsurprised because she knew that they do not.
She was right. We eventually realized it was the moon.
Surprises, whether good or bad, are modified by our past experience and knowledge.
Eve was a surprise. Adam had explored the Garden of Eden and had examined and studied every living creature that God had made. He even, with God, named everything that lived.
He had seen it all. He understood it all.
But he had never seen anything like Eve.
I used to quip that when God brought Eve to Adam, Adam must have said, “Woah, man!”
But while he was probably surprised, Adam knew God. Adam had worked with God. Adam had talked with God. Adam had spent time with God. Adam’s experience and knowledge helped him weather the surprise.
But it could not have been enough. God must have helped supernaturally. Without faith given by God, Adam would still be standing in the Garden, jaw agape.
Adam’s proclamation displays Faith. God enabled Adam to realize that this amazing Eve was exactly what Adam needed (and Adam was exactly what Eve needed, too.)
He sees her… and the faith that God gives him lets Adam see that even though he is surprised, curious, insecure, and maybe a little afraid… Adam can say, “at last she is here! She is what I need.”
Our world surprises us. Events do not happen as we predict. Results are not what we expect.
But God will give you faith. You know Him. You have worked with Him. You have talked with Him. Do not be overwhelmed by surprise.
Take the faith God offers.