“For My thoughts are not your thoughts; neither are your ways, My ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts!” Isaiah 55:8-9
God’s dealings are very mysterious.
We looked for light, but behold darkness;
expected success, but we meet with failure;
anticipated prosperity, but we are plunged into adversity.
Our purposes are broken off;
plans are frustrated;
skies are clothed with clouds.
Beloved, such is the case with us sometimes! Our circumstances are so painful, so different from what we anticipated …
Why am I poor, and my brother rich?
Or sick, and my sister healthy?
Why are my efforts crossed, and my neighbors crowned with success?
This is often deeply trying. He kindly quiets us with the assurance, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.”
How difficult to say sometimes,
Our Father wisely appoints the circumstances and lot of every one of His children. He has mapped out the path in which they are to travel. He has appointed their bounds, which they cannot pass. Then with Job we say, “He is of one mind, and who can oppose Him? He will certainly accomplish what He has decreed for me.”
We must not murmur, or complain–but patiently follow wherever the Lord leads, and quietly bear whatever He lays upon us. Patience must calm the spirit and quiet the heart. Then shall we say with the Psalmist, “I was silent, I opened not my mouth because You are the One who has done this!” It was You–and therefore it must be wise, holy, and kind.
We are required quietly to persevere, though the way is rugged, though the thorns pierce our feet, though we cannot see one step before us! We must walk by faith, not by sight, believing . . .
that we are safe, in the midst of danger;
that we are right, though everything is perplexing;
and that all will end well, for “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him, and are called according to His purpose!” Romans 8:28