God's Ways : My Ways :: Heavens : Earth

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV) 

  “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says 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.

This passage is often misinterpreted. Often people get the impression that this means God thinks He is better than we are (which is true... He is). They miss the point of this passage. What God is saying here is that He doesn't think like we do. He has a plan, a plan that we may not understand, but one that is far better than anything we could come up with. In context of the rest of Scripture, this idea makes sense. Romans 8:28-30 says:

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,

 to those who are the called according to His purpose. 

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,

 that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 

Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called;

 whom He called, these He also justified; 

and whom He justified, these He also glorified."

God's plan is more than we can always understand, but for those that live for Him - seeking to please Him in all that they do - "...all things work together for good for those who love [Him], to those who are called according to His purpose."

   One thing to note: while His plan will work for the good of the disciple of Christ, that doesn't necessarily mean that it will be enjoyable. It's for our own good. It could be to our benefit, even if it's painful. Also, God's plan doesn't revolve around us (read "us" as [my name here]). God "...is willing that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance," (2 Peter 3:9). Perhaps the struggles we face is more than for our benefit. Perhaps, just perhaps, God is using us to shine His light into someone else's life. We are His image in the world. We are His light in the darkness. 

   Everything we do, whether at work, at school, at church, at play, at home, even what we do when we're alone is a reflection. If we are kind, loving, humble, responsible, honorable in all things, in short, if we are what God calls His disciples to be, then we are a reflection of God wherever we are. If, on the other hand, we are not, then we look just like the rest of humanity. Not only is that a disservice to ourselves, it is - I'm not exaggerating - lying about God. We claim to be His, and we look like anyone else. We are Christ's ambassadors, and if we don't accurately represent Him, we fail to do our task. "For all have sinned and fall short of the Kingdom of God." (Romans 3:23). Indeed, our task is great, and we have all failed, but we can still reflect God's true character and the attitude of Christ's disciples in the midst of failure. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness," (1 John 1:9).

   We all have hard days; we all make mistakes, but God is Holy, He is on His throne, and He has a plan. When you're feeling down, when you're having a bad day, remember He loves you, He will work His plan even through you if you let Him. Maybe He's put you in someone else's life to shine His light in their life. You have hope in Him. If that someone doesn't know Him, they have no hope; they have no reason to climb out of their pit of despair, but you do. If they can see you shine brightly in the midst of pain or struggle, they get to see God through you. Your attitude is your witness. Use it for the glory of God. Lift Him up in the earth. Praise His Holy name.

Isaiah 40:31

"But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint."