When Goddoesn’t Explain

“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

Pause

My dad passed away one day after I arrived in Hungary to begin a two-week speaking tour across eastern Europe. Leaving the organizers in the lurch didn’t seem right, so I chose to stay and fulfill my commitment. My family agreed.

The day of my dad’s memorial service felt surreal. I was confident about my decision, yet my tears flowed. God, why did you choose this timing? Couldn’t you have waited two weeks so I could celebrate my dad’s life with those who loved him?

More than a decade has passed, and God still hasn’t explained his timing. In the void, I choose to trust his ways. He’s all-wise and all-knowing, and he’s always working behind the scenes. His view is telescopic; mine is microscopic. Who knows, but perhaps in heaven, I’ll meet an eastern European woman who responded to the gospel presented on that tour.

Ponder

What questions about your circumstances do you wish to ask God? Write them down. Now write “I trust your ways” above them.

Pray

Father, life doesn’t make sense sometimes. Help me trust you when I don’t understand.