God Knows What He Is Doing

Saturday, September 28, 2019

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith 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 55:7–9

There are a lot of things in life that do not go the way we think they should. From simple things like the weather or traffic to major financial or health situations, we feel like we know how things ought to work out. Often in these times we express frustration, and though we usually do not say it out loud, we wonder why God isn’t doing things the way we want. The reality is that God always knows what He is doing, and He never makes any mistakes. Even the most difficult circumstances of our lives can be used by Him to further His purpose.

William Cowper wrote:

God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines, of never-failing skill;
He fashions up His bright designs, and works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints fresh courage take, the clouds that you much dread,
Are big with mercy and will break in blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face.

When we are tempted to doubt God’s love for us because of what we are experiencing, we must remember that we are not capable of understanding what He knows. We are kept safe in His love, and nothing touches our lives that has not first passed through His hands.

Today's Growth Principle: 

God’s purposes and plans may be mysterious to us, but they are never mistaken.