27^th January 2025

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

THEME: THE WAYS OF GOD

 THEME SCRIPTURE: “"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 NKJV

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS

1.  Why do we get disappointed when things do not go the way we planned even though we prayed to God about it?

Anewene hurried for the train, bounding along the platform. He rushed through the crowds and then the closing doors of the train to make it just on time. He eagerly found a seat and quickly settled down. Then came the conductor, and he began to call out the various stops and final destination of the train. "O, no! I am on the wrong train," said Anewene.

This experience is not different from that of Jeremiah the prophet. He was young when God called him to be a prophet to the nations... Being God's spokesperson, he expected to be revered, heeded to, and also enjoy the prophetic ministry.

Unfortunately, things turned out differently. He [Jeremiah] was heckled, beaten and imprisoned many times. Jeremiah had to confess at some point in his life "O LORD, You induced me, and I was persuaded; You are stronger than I, and have prevailed. I am in derision daily; Everyone mocks me" (Jer 20:7). God had persuaded him and he was persuaded that it will be a great fun-filled experience. He later realized that he was in a big fight with the princes and lords of Jerusalem. He was mocked daily. Expectations have gone south. Sometimes we expect to be rewarded too soon for following Christ. Other times, we formulate our own plans and expect God to carry them through. We get that shock when we are plunged into an experience of the opposite.

Beloved, you are not the only one it seems expectations and ambitions have been ambushed by the exact opposite--health crisis, financial troubles, disappointments, failed projects, thwarted plans, etc.

The children of Israel were told that God was taking them to the land that flows with milk and honey. When the 12 spies returned from the Promised Land, they brought an evil report. There are giants there. "How come",  they might have asked? That was not what they expected. The sons of Anak were there, occupying the land and they needed to contend with these giants. What a rude awakening the children of Israel must have had. Their response was to give up and return to Egypt.

It may seem that you are out of course, and expectations have been ambushed. Hear ye the word of the Lord, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." 

Precious one, don't let your expectations interfere in God's plan for your life. Remember, God cares and He will not allow your life to be wasted. However, as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are His thoughts and ways higher than ours. Don't be bogged down by your lower thoughts and futile ways. Rather, have the mentality that if God denies you your ways, it is because He has a higher way for you. Trust Him and He will bring you to an expected end. Jeremiah preached for 40 years. No one heeded his message. But 2500 years after, his messages are still shaping the church. The Promised Land that was rejected is the world's most contentious land today.

God's plans for you incorporate yesterday, today, and the distant future. Trust His ways. Be patient with His plans and you will never be ashamed.

Remain blessed.

FURTHER READING:  Jeremiah 20:1-10

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. Can you trust God to set you in His plans if yours fail?

PRAYER

Precious Father, your ways are indeed higher, far above mine. Help me to trust you as I follow you to the greater and superior destiny you have for me. In my disappointments, may I see you and your ways, in Jesus' precious name. Hallelujah!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Genesis 48-49; Psalm 27; Matthew 27