To the extent that it is possible, I've decided to stop asking God "why." Not because I don't wonder (because I do), but because my progress in this life has known no greater hang-up. The minute something unexpected happens, I embark on the fruitless endeavor of finding out “why.” I’ve somehow concluded that I can pretty much deal with anything if I know the reasoning behind what’s going on. But that’s not true at all. I think that even if God gave me a “play by play” of my life, nothing short of a reversal or removal of the hard times would satisfy me. In this world, it’s one’s actions that garner trust. As a result, the passage of time where it seems like nothing is happening can make one question the sincerest and most concrete of promises.
Isaiah 55:8-11 (AMP) says:
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither 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. For as the rain and snow come down from the heavens, and return not there again, but water the earth and make it bring forth and sprout, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”
The frustration we experience isn’t from the unanswered question, but rather our pursuit of God’s rationale, which is infinite, uncontainable, and impossible for the human mind to grasp. But in these past couple of months God has made it clear to me that it’s not my understanding that gets me through…it’s my faith. He took me to Matthew 17:20 (AMP):
“He said to them, Because of the littleness of your faith [that is, your lack of firmly relying trust]. For truly I say to you, if you have faith [that is living] like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to yonder place, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.”
Faith mobilizes God’s power in our lives. When we have faith in Him, we give Him the right of way to proceed in the situation. It allows Him to bypass our “why” blockages and not only apply a divine solution, but fortify our foundations and prepare us for our next levels in Him. God makes all of His moves on purpose. Although it’s often hard to grasp life’s unexplainables, I’m learning to turn my questions into “thank you’s,” knowing that there’s no greater fuel for the course than my faith.
Isaiah 55:8-11 (AMP) says:
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither 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. For as the rain and snow come down from the heavens, and return not there again, but water the earth and make it bring forth and sprout, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”
The frustration we experience isn’t from the unanswered question, but rather our pursuit of God’s rationale, which is infinite, uncontainable, and impossible for the human mind to grasp. But in these past couple of months God has made it clear to me that it’s not my understanding that gets me through…it’s my faith. He took me to Matthew 17:20 (AMP):
“He said to them, Because of the littleness of your faith [that is, your lack of firmly relying trust]. For truly I say to you, if you have faith [that is living] like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to yonder place, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.”
Faith mobilizes God’s power in our lives. When we have faith in Him, we give Him the right of way to proceed in the situation. It allows Him to bypass our “why” blockages and not only apply a divine solution, but fortify our foundations and prepare us for our next levels in Him. God makes all of His moves on purpose. Although it’s often hard to grasp life’s unexplainables, I’m learning to turn my questions into “thank you’s,” knowing that there’s no greater fuel for the course than my faith.
Another great post Ashley! I see we've had similar realizations as of late. I've quit asking why as well and just know that whatever trial it is, is just another line in my testimony and step towards God being able to use me for his glory. I can also truly say that I've recently been able to really just pray and leave it there and have true trust in my faith in Him and the promises he has made. That alone brings such a sense of inner peace to me no matter that the situation is, and I find that so refreshing.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Danielle!! It is definitely a challenge to get to the point where you mentally drop it off, but once there, we have to know and be sure that the hands we dropped it off in are more capable than ours. Its a daily press for me...but one with invaluable results:). Love you and praying for you!
ReplyDeleteThanx for the morsel...You've def. given me something to write about later;)...
ReplyDeleteKeep planting seeds.
M
Congratulations!!!! With this "confession" of your revelation, you have begun the journey into your calling. You are learning how to tap into God's power. I encourage you to "activate" your faith with your words(verbally, literally). Again, I say congratulations!!! Welcome to the Power House of Faith!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteI was part of the group in 2006, but I moved away to Maryland and lost contact. I have returned to Georgia to my previous place of employment, where I was on your email list, and received this invitation to join the group. Thank you and praise God. I appreciate the Sparrow so much! It's so inspiring and helps me to be "pro active" with my faith in the Lord Jesus (the word). I'm pleased to know that you are continuing what our Father has begun in you, and I'm excited about receiving the Sparrow in the future. I pray that the Lord Jesus will help you to complete His work until He returns.
Blessings,
Joyce
It's crazy that we first ask "why"...why not? We don't deserve anything God gives us, and then we question when things don't go our way! Who are we? Once we realize that we need to act in God's will and in His time, I think this world will be better off. Thanks Ash. Annie
ReplyDelete