Isaiah 55:8: God's Superhighway

"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

This verse may offer me more hope than any other verse in the Bible. I read it and the words just wash over me, calming me when I struggle to control the direction of my life.

Maybe you wrestle with God to control the direction of your life, too. When we find ourselves "demanding" that the kids behave, instead of following God's whisper to our hearts, we ignore this verse. When we whine and complain about our work, our spouse, our house, or our circumstances, we take our eyes off God's plan, and focus solely on what we see and understand. It's easy to forget how incredibly great God really is.

In high school, I wanted to be a minister - attending seminary and everything. About the time I would have applied to seminary, I walked into a church and heard 'the minister' tell his church secretary, "Just lock the doors. I'm tired of these bums asking for handouts." Deep inside, I shattered.

If this is ministry, I want nothing to do with it. I changed plans suddenly, pursuing a physical therapy degree. Physical therapists help people, too, just in a different way. The science proved more than I could handle, so I eventually graduated with a social work degree. I went to law school, though I'd never planned to be a lawyer. As I applied, I even told God, "If this is what you want, then you better make it abundantly clear." Soon after, a scholarship offer came. God, not God? I don't know.

For about five years, I prosecuted domestic violence offenders. I gave that job my heart, my mind, and my energy. When my first baby was born, I "retired." I couldn't give the victims of violence the time and focus they deserved and do the same for my baby boy.

Years later, we moved and a found an incredible, life-giving church. My desire for 'ministry work' returned. Pridefully and selfishly, though I didn't understand it at the time, I "worked" for the Lord in the hopes of earning a position on the church staff. (Thankfully, my wise pastor saw through the works to the prideful condition of my heart). Then, something inside me finally changed.

Instead of telling God what I wanted, I asked Him what He wanted. Basically, I prayed Isaiah 55:8 over my life, "God, I want my life to be what you want. I want your thoughts and your ways to be the focus, not my thoughts and my ways. Let me live what you desired for me all along."

God's ways are definitely not our ways. In a traditional 9 to 5 (plus weekends) ministry role, I would not be doing what I now do as a dedicated follower of Christ. Offering my heart to God, I minister meaningfully in my church. Following His dreams for me, I'm involved in my community in ways I wouldn't have considered before. How awesome to live a transparent Christian life (yes, warts included) and share God's hope and love with those who don't yet know Him.

For the first time in my life (it's about time), I don't know what's next. God is taking me on a journey I never would consider on my own, and my heart is full.

As you read this, maybe God is talking to you. Maybe you are doing what you think you should, but you haven't asked God if it's really what he wants for you. Perhaps you struggle with your attitude toward your spouse, your kids, or your job. Ask God how you should handle these problems. Instead of fighting with what you can understand in your own heart and mind, ask Him to take over and see where it leads. Give God a chance to be the big God that He really is.

God, Thank you for having a plan for my life that's bigger than anything I could dream up. When I pull back and try to make my life fit my own thoughts, please remind me that You have something better in store. In advance, I thank you for all You have done and will continue to do. Let my life be what You always wanted it to be. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.