HIS WAYS ARE HIGHER
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
and your ways are not my ways.”
This is the Lord’s declaration.
“For as heaven is higher than earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:8–9, CSB
As I was working through Genesis and thinking about Joseph’s life, Joseph had everything going for him growing up. He was from a wealthy family, he was his father’s favorite son, and he was born of his father’s treasured wife. All that changed when Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery and he was taken to Egypt. I wonder if I would have stayed the course in faith, in spite of the terrible change in circumstances that Joseph experienced. Then things were looking up as Joseph faithfully worked for Potiphar, and Joseph was promoted to a position of great responsibility. But then Potiphar’s wife made false accusations that sent him to prison. While in prison, Joseph remained faithful, and then God ultimately made him second in command to Pharaoh, which led to the rescue of both Israel and Egypt.
Or think about Abraham. God sent Abraham away from his homeland with a promise of a land and of numerous offspring. But Abraham spent many years in the wilderness and did not get to see the full realization of all God’s promises during his lifetime. Yet Abraham remained faithful.
Or think about David. After being anointed by Samuel, David served Saul faithfully. Yet in spite of David’s service to a madman, David found himself running for his very life from Saul for a long time. Yet David too remained faithful.
Or even think about the timing of when God sent Jesus to save all mankind through his death and resurrection. There were many generations where people had to look forward in faith to God’s salvation in spite of their present circumstances.
It is so easy for me to have a short view of things when facing circumstances that are not of my choosing. It is easy for me to say, “Woe is me!” or wonder if God really has me in His hands. But as I see God’s plan unfold through the Bible, I can take the long view of things. “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28, CSB).” This reminds me to remain faithful to Him, to trust Him, to rest in Him and not be anxious, and to obey Him even when that does not seem like the most favorable option at the time.
Praise God that His ways are higher than our ways and that He will work all things—even the difficult circumstances—together for our good!
and your ways are not my ways.”
This is the Lord’s declaration.
“For as heaven is higher than earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:8–9, CSB
As I was working through Genesis and thinking about Joseph’s life, Joseph had everything going for him growing up. He was from a wealthy family, he was his father’s favorite son, and he was born of his father’s treasured wife. All that changed when Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery and he was taken to Egypt. I wonder if I would have stayed the course in faith, in spite of the terrible change in circumstances that Joseph experienced. Then things were looking up as Joseph faithfully worked for Potiphar, and Joseph was promoted to a position of great responsibility. But then Potiphar’s wife made false accusations that sent him to prison. While in prison, Joseph remained faithful, and then God ultimately made him second in command to Pharaoh, which led to the rescue of both Israel and Egypt.
Or think about Abraham. God sent Abraham away from his homeland with a promise of a land and of numerous offspring. But Abraham spent many years in the wilderness and did not get to see the full realization of all God’s promises during his lifetime. Yet Abraham remained faithful.
Or think about David. After being anointed by Samuel, David served Saul faithfully. Yet in spite of David’s service to a madman, David found himself running for his very life from Saul for a long time. Yet David too remained faithful.
Or even think about the timing of when God sent Jesus to save all mankind through his death and resurrection. There were many generations where people had to look forward in faith to God’s salvation in spite of their present circumstances.
It is so easy for me to have a short view of things when facing circumstances that are not of my choosing. It is easy for me to say, “Woe is me!” or wonder if God really has me in His hands. But as I see God’s plan unfold through the Bible, I can take the long view of things. “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28, CSB).” This reminds me to remain faithful to Him, to trust Him, to rest in Him and not be anxious, and to obey Him even when that does not seem like the most favorable option at the time.
Praise God that His ways are higher than our ways and that He will work all things—even the difficult circumstances—together for our good!
by Jonathan Ott, Elder
Posted in Faith Blogs
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