My Ways Are Not Your Ways

For My thoughts are not your thoughts nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord (Is. 55:8).

This morning I was greatly saddened to read about the tragic, accidental death of the 5-year-old daughter of Christian music artist Steven Curtis Chapman. Even more tragic than the death of the child was that the accident was caused by another family member. More tragic still were some of the comments posted by readers of the article.

Some people had posted messages of sympathy. Others offered prayers of hope, saying that God can always bring good out of even the most tragic situations. But in response, several readers posted virulent comments about how there is no god, since a benevolent deity could never allow such a thing. One referred to people of faith as believing in “a spaghetti god in the sky” and stating that such persons only perform charitable acts because of some imagined reward in the next life (if there is one), not because charity is the right thing to do.

To me, such statements are a real indictment on a society that is lost and angry. God has never said that His dealings with humanity would necessarily make sense to us. Just the opposite: As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are My ways above your ways and My thoughts above your thoughts (Is. 55:9). It’s OK if we don’t understand! Last time I checked, there was no commandment in Scripture that said we must understand what He is doing, although it is right and prudent to pray for such understanding.

One of the greatest graces I was ever inspired to pray for was to be obedient to the Lord’s commands and leading until my understanding could catch up. It has been the most freeing thing! A couple of weeks ago, I started reading a book called Come, Be My Light about Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and how she came to establish the Missionaries of Charity to serve “the poorest of the poor,” as she called them. When she was first inspired to do so, it didn’t make any sense to her either, yet she obeyed. I don’t think any of us could argue with the results of her obedience!

Even if we don’t ever live to see the results of our obedience in this life, or if the results of our fidelity to His Word aren’t what we expected, we have God’s assurance that it means something and that it counts. The same chapter of Isaiah continues, “For just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to him who sows and bread to him who eats, so shall My word that goes forth from My mouth. It shall not return to Me void, but shall do My will, achieving the end for which I sent it (Is. 55:10-11).

Mother Teresa said that we are imperfect pencils in God’s hands, but in spite of that imperfection, His handwriting is always beautiful. So let us abandon ourselves joyfully and with trust into His hands, for we know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). Hallelujah!

Prayer Request: For those struggling to make sense of God’s work in their lives.

Prayer: Our Lord and God, You promise that You will never abandon us, no matter what the circumstances. Help us to keep our eyes and our hearts fixed on You, for we know that Your grace will sustain us wherever Your will leads us. We make this prayer through Him who is our strength, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.