Many things appear contradictory to God’s will and yet they happen. Try and answer the “why?” It’s difficult to accept that our plans are subject to the will of God when He messes with our agenda. Our predictable agenda.
You know, the self-tailored plan that tells us if we make the right choice, all things will work out well. And the one that doesn’t seem so right to others, but takes us in a direction that “we have peace with” . . . and so we walk straight for it.
The heart of man plans his way but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9
And then there’s the lesson tucked inside the choice we’re not always grateful for because we find we didn’t choose as well as we thought. . . . but even if we make a bad choice, we can trust the consequences to be part of God’s good work.
And then there’s the things that happen that would never be our choice.
We say we want God’s will in our life until it becomes a wild ride – and then we want to get off. And so, we do . . . because our will seems safer.
We see how the sovereign will of God took Paul to jail and Jesus to a cross – and wonder why we should be exempt from any of it. Check your Bible, any page – history shows restoration is His ultimate goal and always accomplishes what He desires.
But it’s so hard to get past the finite of “why and why not.” It is. So, we have to accept what comes with it and what leaves with it, and loss shows the worst that can happen. Change is one of the most difficult things we face on our journey.
When we endure enough life changing experiences, we almost become fearful of the will of God. And yet if we’ve learned well, and I have, we have the assurance that somehow it is meant for good. There’s so much of our story that we can’t see, so our choice is to trust and know the high ways of God are simply too high for us to know.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth so are My ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9
I love this Isaiah scripture – it actually makes me wonder more though, because now I’m trying to figure how far heaven is from earth while I’m looking into the night sky past the harvest moon that seems so far, yet so near.
I’m sure God sighs before He reminds me, heaven isn’t trillions and light years, but within – right where I’m standing. So, His will is right where He establishes our steps, if our intention is to follow His pierced feet . . . and may it be.
Listen . . “Thy Will Be Done” by Hillary Scott (Lady Antebellum) that speaks to her loss . . .
Verna
Verna, thank you for your faith stories and ongoing encouragement. I needed an extra dose this morning and your blog led me to your website, where there is an abundance of encouragement. You are a blessing, truly.
His Word always brings encouragement, and when we share our stories of faith it seems to help someone out of a low place . . grateful for your kind words, Lisa!
Thank you Verna. HE chooses. His choices defy our mindsets and how we feel things should pan out. Blessings on your journey into that secret place
An intimate and awesome moment, when we come to understand life is about grace and battles, Hannah – So glad His choice defies my mindset!
Oh, Verna, this really, really spoke to me today. How true that His ways are higher than ours….. sometimes it takes us awhile to let go, though. Thank you for this reminder.
It’s a tricky mix to cling and let go – I know! I love when He brings us to the spirit of acceptance. Helene, I pray you and your family be blessed.
Oh Verna, how I needed that reminder today. Having a rough couple of days.
I miss you.
I so wish I was right there to remind you and pray with you, Bets – miss you so much! You’ve been on my heart for the past week! Everything okay? Hope you received my notes – email me when you can.
As always the words that speak to you when you need them most!
Let Go Let God. Love you,
Gina
He has a way of doing that, Gina . . . speaking to us right smack in our moment . . . love you!
“And then there’s the things that happen that would never be our choice.”
Oh! Verna … A few days ago, if but for a few seconds either way, our darling cat, wouldn’t have been hit be a car. His injuries were extensive and we had to put him down.
I was complaining to my husband at the time. I was venting. Murmuring and then bang …
What if …
Thy will be done Lord.
I know, Liana . . . our forever question . . . what if . . . especially when it comes to loss, of any kind. So very sorry to hear about the loss of your dear pet.
A very timely confirming message Verna. Just a little while ago Dave and I were talking about the right season for God’s will on any particular matter. A time for everything and there is a season…That’s the only way I can walk through this life with Jesus. And when I try and make things happen, peace exits through the door and I have to run after it…again!
Thanks for sharing this eternal and enduring truth that set us free.
lvu
Yes, and there it is . . . the season and the purpose. I know, Glenda – it’s the only way we walk through the day, knowing it’s all about the sovereign plan. Love you!