His ways are higher

The Lord led me to Isaiah 55:8-9 this morning.

8"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD.

9"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways , And My thoughts than your thoughts."

As I read through these verses I thought about all the things going on right now that just don't make sense. There are people who are grieving the loss of their innocent children, taken way too soon; there are those who are desperately wanting to have children and are not able to for whatever reason; the declining economy and all that it is affecting; soldiers giving up their lives for my freedom; and countless other things.

The only way I can make sense of any of this is to trust the Lord, knowing that He is sovereign, He has never left His throne and nothing is a surprise to Him....in fact, He planned it to be just this way. His ways are so much higher than mine, and they are always best...even when it doesn't make sense to me.

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Yesterday, the owners of the sewing store where I work sent out a notice to all of our customers that we will be closing our doors at the end of July. I have known for some time, but it suddenly became more real as I saw it in writing and then experienced the sadness of our customers that came in today. I completely understand their decision, and I know it was something they prayed and prayed over and are doing what they believe God has told them to.

I was asked by a dear friend a while back if I was worried about possibly not having a job. I told her that I knew without a doubt that God led me to the store almost three years ago after I quit teaching pre-school and had no idea what I was going to do, and I fully believed that He would provide if the time came that I would no longer be there.

Now, it's time to put "feet to my faith". Here I am again, having no idea what I will do! I don't know if the new embroidery business is what God has in store, or if it is something else. Will you please pray for His provision and direction for us in this area? Once again, He is not surprised by this at all!

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As I was finishing up my quiet time and journaling, I decided to open my Beth Moore Devotional, "Praying God's Word Day by Day" Would you believe what I read when I opened it? Check this out...

"Your ways are not my ways, Lord God. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are Your ways higher than mine (Isa. 55:8-9). I may not always understand Your ways, Lord, but they are always prosperous (Ps. 10:5). Your ways are always righteous (Ps. 145:17). Your ways, O God, are holy (Ps. 77:13). Your ways are loving and faithful (Ps. 25:10)

I have considered my ways, Lord (Ps. 119:59). I choose Yours instead. Keep me from deceitful ways (Ps. 119:29). Lord God, help me to walk in Your ways (Ps. 119:3).

Lord, if being obedient to You causes me to suffer, I know I should commit myself to my faithful Creator and continue to do good (1 Pet. 4:19)."

God is so good, isn't He? I love His Word and how He uses it to speak to us. He obviously wanted this to sink in with me today. I believe that His ways are best, because it's all I know to do!

Lord,

I trust you in the midst of the unknown. You are in control and You are Lord over all. I pray that You would flood Your peace and healing over those who are suffering and grieving right now. I pray that You provide in abundant and miraculous ways. I pray that You would bless those who are seeking Your face and walking in Your ways. You are my only hope. Apart from You, I have nothing. Help me to trust in You alone and love You with my whole heart.

In the strong name of Jesus, Amen.