This is a tough lesson to swallow. And I've had to be reminded of it more times then I care to count. Yesterday as I was driving to a friend's house the Holy Spirit revealed to me that I don't see things correctly. I have a skewed, earthly, be easy and comfortable, view of life. I don't like when things are hard and I don't like when things don't work the way I think they should. And....when life falls that way, I see it as God being unfair, uncaring or not understanding my needs. I see things wrongly! Isaiah 55:8-9 My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." holds true whether I get my way or not. Whether God's answer is yes, no, or wait.
So I had to repent of the unbelief and mistrust that causes me to doubt God's answers and plans. The unbelief that comes from me seeing the world, my needs, my life and the things and people around me through my small, temporal lens instead of God's wide range, eternal distance way of seeing. The Holy Spirit is such a sweet, gentle teacher. He's patient with us slow learners and repeat offenders. And all this was preparation for the big no I was about to receive.
I brought home two kittens to foster because they weren't eating. They were not thriving because their Mom had decided to stop nursing. Well, there was a "no" to the first part of that request. But she did get a wonderful home!
Did I want this answer? No. And since I had that correction from the Holy Spirit yesterday I was able to cry a little but still be at peace knowing God's perfect will was done. And this is not just for this tiny life that ended on earth early this morning, but it's for everything--big and small, from the momentous, life shaking challenges, to the daily nuisances and trip ups that make up life on earth. He is faithful. And that is the lens we need to look through. Psalm 116:5 How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours!
Mighty, awesome, amazing, glorious. These are all You our Lord. But You are also kind. You are also loving. Also all knowing, all wise and tenderhearted. Help us to see through those adjectives Your plans and answers in our lives. Forgive us when we doubt, and strengthen our faith to be at peace and rest in Your loving care. We bless Your Name. You are faithful. Your are good. In our loving Savior's Name. Amen. We praise You!
Remember God is faithful even when He goes in the opposite direction of our thoughts and plans.
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