Isaiah 55:8-9 states: “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.”
God is sovereign. We are flesh and blood, created by Him to serve Him.
Mankind often ignores the incredible differences between God and man. We overlook the main element of that difference – namely sin.
Sin is failing to walk in God’s ways. Sin has affected everyone – yes, you and me too because “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
(Rom. 3:23)
Therefore, no human naturally has godly ways, and we dare not neglect the Word of God which provides instruction and teaches those who seek Him and desire to walk in His ways.
Oh! Let us “Seek the LORD while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. 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 55:6-11)
The Apostle Peter found out, in a very painful way, that his way was not God’s way. In his human thinking, he was ready to prevent Jesus from giving Himself as a sacrifice. His thoughts were that it would be too great a loss to lose their wise Teacher in death, so Peter was ready to fight. On the contrary – the Cross was God’s way. Peter’s way was not God’s way.
Recently, when my husband started looking into possibilities to move to the West Coast of S. Africa, I was happy that it seemed impossible for us to do so. In the meantime, my husband was praying about the matter, and God made the move possible. I was upset and I didn’t want to move because the West Coast is too cold and wet in winter, and I love the heat and summer rains of the North! But, deep inside, a small voice told me not to go against my husband. I revealed to him that it will really be difficult for me to leave our beloved town and all our friends and brothers and sisters in Christ, but if it is God’s will, I will not stand in the way. Everything just fell into place. Suddenly our house was sold, and God provided the best little apartment for us for the same amount that we sold for. When we arrived to our new surroundings, I experienced much joy – something of coming home! God’s way is perfect!
Over years I’ve learned to be careful not to look at things through my own lens – God’s lens works differently. And I’ve also learned a little to distinguish God’s soft, still voice within me.
May the Holy Spirit sharpen our ears to hear His voice and follow Him.
Andra Botha