Higher
“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
My thoughts this morning turned to a patient we had last year. He was about 42 years old, and he was dying of cancer.
I remember telling him that I didn’t understand why God had allowed him to suffer. Somehow it didn’t make sense that that he had a life limiting illness at such a young age.
I will never forget his response. He quoted this verse.
“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
The verse reminded me that my knowledge and understanding are so small. God’s knowledge and understanding is way beyond my comprehension.
I remember feeling the peace of God so strongly when I was with him.
It was truly a “sacred space.”
He didn’t waste his time trying to figure it out. Instead, he trusted God.
He was looking forward to being with the Lord. Like Abraham, he was looking for a city.
“for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”
Hebrews 11:10
Perhaps he felt the way Paul did:
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.”
Philippians 1:21-24
Certainly he didn’t want to leave his mom, sister and the rest of his family and friends, but the reality of heaven had an appeal for him.
No more suffering or pain. He would see Jesus face to face!
He died peacefully a few weeks later. It helps me to know the hope of this verse:
“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.”
II Corinthians 5:8
I’m going to stop trying to figure things out; why stuff happens. Instead, I want to draw closer to the Lord, and trust Him completely, no matter what happens. Peace be unto you as you rest in Him.
