Not Your Thoughts
"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. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:8-11
Insight
Doubt. Questions. Hang-ups. Concerns. Hesitation.
Often these feelings and emotions are looked down upon in the “Church” world. Rock-solid believers don’t have questions, and they never waver in their faith, or at least that’s what we assume. We feel embarrassed and shame over those places where we question God’s timing, wrestle with disappointment or doubt God’s goodness.
As a result, we either fake having unshakeable faith or pretend our doubts and struggles don’t exist, which only allows the elephant in the room to grow bigger and bigger.
Ignoring the doubts and questions we have about God hinders our relationship with Him. Until we are willing to be honest with ourselves and with God about our problems and uncertainties, the conversation that needs to take place won’t occur. God honors transparency and vulnerability.
He desires to connect with us, even in the midst of our questions, concerns, and push back. God is not afraid of our hesitation and doubt. He welcomes the dialogue and will meet us in the midst of it.
Don't allow doubt to create a wedge; let it spur on a broader pursuit of His heart. Many of us attempt to understand Jesus through the lens of our limited perspective. Instead, we should process our hang-ups through the lens of our relationship with Christ. The context of this relationship changes how we think about everything else.
When we come to Jesus, everything changes.
Reflection
What have you faced recently that has caused you to question God’s goodness, faithfulness, or timing?
How did that, as well as your response to it, impact your relationship with God?
Prayer
God, I have doubts. I question Your goodness and faithfulness. All of these things cause me to hesitate in pursuing Your heart. Rather than running away, may I bring all my hang-ups to You. Thank you for being full of grace and understanding. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
