This commonly-quoted chapter describes God’s compassion on His people (those who turn / return to Him).
” ‘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. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth… so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.’ ” (v8-11 abr)
To some, it may sound like God is talking down to us saying “I’m better than you”. However, I believe He’s reassuring us that when we don’t fully understand what He’s doing (which is most of the time, if we’re honest), we can trust that He has a purpose, nothing He does is wasted, and His sovereign will cannot be stopped / prevented.
I know first-hand how hard it can be to understand God’s purpose behind those things which He allows to happen. Personal and/or global tragedies happen almost every day, and we’re left asking God “why?”. Unfortunately, we may never have a satisfying answer in this life.
Sometimes, all we can do is answer the question “do we trust God?” If the answer is “yes”, then we can rest assured that even though we may not understand why He allowed something, there was a purpose behind it. If we answer “no”, that we don’t trust Him, then we need to work on that, and we can ask for the Spirit’s help (God is trustworthy, whether we think He is or not).
I encourage us to work toward a full and unwavering trust in God and His ways. That trust doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll understand everything (because we won’t), but it will stop us from turning away from Him when His purposes surpass our meager comprehension.
Father God, our Wise and Omniscient Lord, Your ways and thoughts are far higher than our own, and do not require our understanding. May we simply learn to trust You, with the Spirit’s help if necessary. May we rely on You as Jesus does, even if we don’t enjoy the circumstances. May we experience joy for trusting in You, and may our faith set Christlike examples for those around us. In Your holy and awesome name we praise, honor and glorify You, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training