Week of March 20, 2020

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9, NKJV)

Rarely does God do something exactly as we think He will. We sometimes try to second-guess God. Have you ever said, "Oh, I know what God is planning to do?" Moses experienced this as he considered how God was going to deliver the Hebrews out of Egypt. Well, God hardened Pharaoh's heart, and that was not what Moses anticipated. Rather than allowing the Hebrews to leave, Pharaoh increased their hardship. Rather than becoming a hero among the Hebrews, Moses was despised for bringing greater suffering. Moses said in Exodus 5:22; So Moses returned to the Lord and said, "Lord, why have You brought trouble on this people? Why is it You have sent me?” Most of the frustrations we experience as Christians has everything to do with the false assumption we make about how we think God will and should act.

Have you ever done the will of God, and then things seem to become worse? Moses completely understood what the results of His obedience to God would be.

It is foolish to attempt to do God's work using your own "common sense." God does not eliminate our commons sense; he consecrates it. He gives us wisdom so we can work within His will and ways.

As you look back on God's activity in your life, you will recognize the wisdom of how God led you.

As we look forward to what God may do, be careful, you do not try to predict what He will do next. Trust His ways, so we don't find ourselves completely off the mark.

God Bless, Pastor Rick