What do you do with a God who goes “off script”? What do you do with a God who doesn’t do your to-do list, I mean your “prayer list”? Albert Tate’s illuminating book, “Disobedient God: Trusting a God Who Goes Off Script,” is a journey of faith and trust in a God who often works in unexpected ways. In this blog post, we’ll explore four essential points from the book, each backed by relevant Bible verses, to help us understand how to trust a God who has a different script in mind.
1. Being at God’s Table (Psalm 23)
Albert Tate highlights the importance of finding our place at God’s table. In Psalm 23, we see the beautiful imagery of God as our Shepherd, leading us beside still waters and preparing a table before us in the presence of our enemies. This verse illustrates that God is always with us, providing for our needs and guiding us even when life takes unexpected turns. Trusting a disobedient God means taking our seat at His table, knowing that His plan is the best one for us. We can have doubts. We can sit at God’s table with them. Jesus opens up God’s table for us. We just need to bring God with us, and He WILL and WANTS to sit together with us.
2. Seeking the Lord’s Presence (Psalm 27:4 & Exodus 32:1)
Tate encourages us to seek the Lord’s presence, just as King David did in Psalm 27:4: “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.” This verse reminds us to prioritize seeking God above all else. In contrast, Exodus 32:1 shows the consequences of not seeking the Lord when the Israelites made a golden calf. Seeking God’s guidance and presence is vital for discerning His script for our lives.
3. Finding Our Worth in His Work (Luke 15)
In Luke 15, we find the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. These stories illustrate God’s relentless love and pursuit of us, regardless of our mistakes. The book emphasizes the importance of finding our worth in God’s work understanding that His grace and love are not dependent on our performance. Trusting a disobedient God involves recognizing that our value is rooted in His unwavering love and redemption.
4. Peace that Surpasses Understanding (Philippians 4:4-9)
Tate explores the idea that God provides a unique peace that doesn’t necessarily match our circumstances. Philippians 4:4-9 reinforces this concept: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Trusting a disobedient God means finding peace in His presence, even when our situation is uncertain or confusing.
Closing
In conclusion, “Disobedient God: Trusting a God Who Goes Off Script” by Albert Tate is a profound exploration of faith and trust in a God whose plans may not align with our own. Trusting in a disobedient God ultimately leads to a deeper, more profound relationship with the One who holds the script of our lives. Watch the video below to go deeper into this.
