God's Ways

As I think back over the events and decisions of the last few weeks I find myself contemplating a passage from the Book of Isaiah. Eugene Peterson translated it this way in The Message: "'I don't think the way you think. The way your work isn't the way I work.' God's Decree. 'For as the sky soars high above the earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beynd the way you think.'" (55:8-9).

We have NO IDEA how God has orchestrated the things that have happened. Some bring us to tears as we think about them. The death of my father carries with it the pain of separation but the overwhelming joy of knowing he's with Jesus. Other events make us scrath our head in wonder as we look at the timing and answers to what we've asked for.

As I've made preparations for my move to Van, TX I've seen again that God's ways and thoughts far exceed what I could ever achieve. He has worked in the lives of the leaders of the church I'm leaving to move the church forward without so much as a single missed day of full-time ministry. With their decision to employ a dear friend with a heart for God's people they have done a slingshot leap forward.

Oh sure, there are those critics who say, "We didn't get a vote!" But they haven't heard the prayers of the leaders as they petitioned God for wisdom, guidance and answers. They haven't stopped to think about the bigger picture of the entire congregation and the unique needs that are presented in ministry to this body.

God's ways are ALWAYS far beyond our feeble imaginations. His thoughts constantly run circles around what we could ever dream up. We simply have the challenge of stepping back and letting His ways direct our paths as we serve Him and the people He put in our way.