In Isaiah 55, God speaks to us about His ways. Most of the time, His ways remain a mystery.
Charles Spurgeon wrote, “God is too good to be unkind and He is too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart.”
I truly believe that much of the mystery will be understood in eternity, but for today a lot just doesn’t make sense. When that is the case, we have to trust God’s heart. Some day these mysteries will make more sense.
“‘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
I believe it’s OK to ask “why” questions, but most of the time God doesn’t reveal all the loving reasons behind His allowance of pain, sorrow, tears, and the brokenness we all experience.
Even Jesus asked a “why” question. On the cross, He asked, “‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me (Matthew 27:46)?’” The Father never gave Him an answer, but Jesus responded by drinking the cup given to Him by the Father (John 18:11).
Jesus models for us what it looks like to perfectly trust the heart of our heavenly Father when we can’t understand the “whys” of having to go through certain circumstances. Jesus lived in perfect faith even when He sweat blood over the cup His Father gave Him at the cross. Jesus’ driving passion was His Father’s will and glory. Because of His perfect faith in the midst of agony, one day every knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:10).
Wow! What a Savior and Lord!
The following are some “why” questions from my very human perspective and some of my thoughts behind why God may have chosen to act in certain ways. Keep in mind that my perspective is weak and that only God knows the full mystery of His will.
Why did Jesus tell us this story of the prodigal son? Because we are all prodigals at certain times.
Why did God choose Paul, who hated the Church, to change the world? Because God’s grace has no limits.
Why did God choose Rahab to be a part of the messianic line? Because no one is outside of His love.
Why did God use David—a murderer and adulterer—in the Messianic line? Because we have all hated and lusted in our hearts.
Why did the Lord God Almighty come to us in a cow trough? Because God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble, no matter your net worth.
Why did God build His Church on Peter knowing Peter would deny Him? Because God knew you and I would fail Him also, but He still wants to use us.
May we all remember the constant love our Lord has for us. It’s impossible for God to love you any more or less than He does at this moment.
“The only love that won’t disappoint you is one that can’t change, that can’t be lost, that is not based on the ups and downs of life or of how well you live. It is something that not even death can take away from you. God’s love is the only thing like that.” -Tim Keller
In the midst of your “why” questions, be strong in the love, power, and presence of God. Trust that He is seeking the best for your life today no matter how the cards look.
Act on the simple truths that Jesus is with you and you can trust Him.
To get devotionals from East-West's founder sent to your inbox weekly, sign up below!