Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah, in his challenge for people to repent and live life God’s way, is reminding us God cannot be put in a box of human understanding. This is tough in times of suffering and hardship. We want answers. Why are difficult things happening? We feel if we had some answer it might help us cope or make it through. Like with the suffering of a workout brings benefit of health, or like the suffering of childbirth brings the joy of a new life, or the suffering of conflict can build depth in relationships. So sometimes we feel we deserve answers and we don’t quite know how to handle it when we don’t get those answers.
The reality is there are reasons and circumstances that are beyond our ability to know. So, it makes sense in life and especially in times of suffering to know God and make the choice to trust in Him.
Isaiah 55:6 Seek the LORD while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near;
2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence,
See, this side of heaven we will not always understand why God allows the circumstances He does. I know I have a lot of questions with this whole coronavirus crisis, and I may never know. One thing I can do is keep close to God, to trust in Him, placing faith in God even when we don’t understand.
Here are three actions that help me.
Lean on God, not self.
Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Fear, revere God, having that high respect of God as the ultimate authority of life.
Proverbs 9:10-11 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me (wisdom) your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.
Live life God’s way: to know it and do my best to live it.
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
The Bible person of Job struggled with suffering. The book is actually a guide to help us in our own suffering. This Sunday we start a new Sunday teaching series, “#Whyme,” from Job and would love for you to join us. Please see our website for details click here.
Trusting God’s plan along with you,
Mike