“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” Isaiah 55: 8. There is a difference in God’s way of thinking and our understanding of what God can do.
God is asking you—“What do you think of yourself?” A man should not judge God by his thoughts and ways. God thinks and acts in ways that transcend anything man could ever imagine, and it is beyond our understanding.
The ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. A man’s ways are his outward acts and attitudes, he judges himself by them and pronounces himself clean. But God sees the motives and intentions of his heart.
“Who can understand his errors,” (Psalms 19: 12). You may think that there is nothing wrong with your actions or thoughts. But God knows your heart, he knows your motives and intentions. You may be able to justify yourself. But God is the true evaluator of our thoughts and actions. Sin is a sin, even if we are ignorant of it. No matter how hard you try to hide the darkest and innermost sins of your heart —within yourself and from others— it is not hidden from the view of God.
God is greater than man. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts—they cannot be compared to His thoughts. Man’s thoughts are evil for evil; but God is gracious even when He has been hurt, dishonored and disobeyed by His own chosen people.
The people of Israel were foolish to act as though they knew what God was thinking and planning. Likewise, we are foolish to try to fit God into our mold, to make His plan and purposes conform to ours. Instead, what we ought to do is to strive to fit into His plans.
Trust God to teach, guide and instruct to walk in ways you are to go. But “do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle,” (Psalms 32:9). God is indispensable and there is no other way than His.
In Malaysia, during the second world war, a sympathetic native was helping an escaping prisoner of war make his way to the coast and from there to freedom. The two were stumbling through the virtually impenetrable jungle. There was no sign of human life and not even the slightest trace of a trail. Having grown weary, the soldier turned to his guide and asked, “Are you sure this is the way?” The reply came in faltering English; “There is no way….I am the way.”
By prayer; in all thy ways acknowledge God. We must ask God His advice and seek earnestly directions from Him. “God shall direct thy path so that your way shall be safe and good. Repent, restore and return to the Lord with a plea to forgive all your sins. Receive graciously and acknowledge that God is the only way that leads to salvation (heaven) and all other ways end at perdition (hell)” (Proverbs 14: 12; 16: 25)
The Bible encourages complete dependence on God and His will in all decisions and actions of our life. As a result, God will help one to head straight towards the goal. There can be no wisdom, understanding or counsel without Him. Success comes from the Lord alone. Victory in life is not a result of actions through human strength and wisdom. By our own strength, we shall not prevail. There is no success without God’s will, and therefore victory belongs to God! Apart from God, we can do nothing. Neither wisdom nor might can fulfill its purpose if they are contrary to God’s will.
All the wisdom a person may acquire can never replace the need for full trust in God’s superior ways. Do not be wise in your own eyes. One should not rely on his own understanding, for human insights are never enough. God’s ways are incomprehensible, yet He is trustworthy.
In all our ways, we need more than just guidance. The rough paths must be made smooth and only God can prepare the way and remove the obstacles—to take us to the appointed goal. A life of communion with God will be of unspeakable advantage.
Dear readers, let’s consider our ways. Are we walking with the Lord in ways we should go?
C.M.John: Renew In Knowledge
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