“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
“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 NIV)
In my last two blogs, I’ve shared about my husband’s recent heart surgery, and how the Lord has been ministering to us in this part of our life’s journey. Our days are filled with challenges as Bruce’s recovery from heart surgery is ongoing. Overall, his recovery from that surgery is going well, but the biggest aggravation these days is that his hip continues to worsen. We are acutely aware of the fact that he will be facing another big surgery; Total Hip Replacement, as soon as he receives clearance from his doctors.
These are the real issues of life that we are dealing with at this time.
What are the real issues that YOU are currently facing?
It can be easy to dwell on the greatness of our struggles, needs, and unfulfilled desires.
When I become focused on negative things, I value the truth of Hebrews 4:12 which says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
I have been spending some time lately meditating on Isaiah 55. As a result, I am reminded of how great God is, and I am less overwhelmed by how great our problems are. His greatness far exceeds any of these struggles. God’s greatness is never-ending, but the problems are only temporary.
The message in Isaiah 55 reminds me that God’s love, mercy and favor are freely given. God’s grace is His undeserved favor towards us. Verses 6-7 of that passage says, “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.”
That invitation has no pre-requisites, no conditions and no stipulations. God invites everyone to come to Him, through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 55:12-13 (ESV) tells of God’s promise to those who accept His invitation, and the redemption He has in store for them. It says, “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the Lord, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.””
Bruce and I are now gradually getting back to the normal activities of life, and we realize that we don’t always know what is best for us. In times past, we have been in this place of uncertainty because of a new situation, and we’ve learned to trust our heavenly Father. He always knows which way is right for us. Whenever we’ve asked for His guidance and help, He has never let us down.
We are thankful that our heavenly Father’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours. He will show us the way, one step at a time. He will do the same for you. I encourage you today, if you haven’t already done so, please accept His invitation to come to Him.
My prayer is, “Heavenly Father, thank you for Your Son, Jesus. Because of His death and resurrection on Calvary’s Cross, we are able to come to you. I accept Your invitation to come to You. I welcome You into my life. Please forgive me for the things I’ve done wrong, and give me joy and peace as I seek to follow Your ways.” In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.
