“’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)

Christmas of 1970 in Yuma, Arizona. Our friends, Mike and Elaine Fields, had gone home to Tennessee for the holidays and we were keeping their dog. Diane and I rode out into the desert around Castle Dome with two dogs and our son, who was about six months old at the time. We were accustomed to riding the desert in our 96 horse power Datsun Pickup and felt quite comfortable in what we were doing. We knew that dusk, on the desert, brings quite a change in temperature, and planned to return shortly after dark.

We drove down a steep hill and found that we could not get up the next grade. There was simply not enough room to get a running start so that we could get over the hill. Diane drove while I stood in the back and jumped out as soon as the vehicle slowed down sufficiently to enable me to push. However, all our efforts were to no avail. Mike, Jr., our son, was not happy. Neither were the dogs. Finally, we decided to spend the night in vehicle. I slept in the back, with the other dogs, while Diane and the baby slept in the cab.

Morning found us anxious to get out. We deflated the tires, to gain traction, and tried several more times without success. We discussed the advisability of me walking out, but I didn’t want to leave Diane there alone, and she wasn’t very keen on that idea either. Minutes turned into hours and still we seemed no closer to solving our dilemma.

Finally, I began to pray with Diane about the matter. We simply told God that we trusted Him and believed He had a divine purpose in the event. We told Him we wanted to go home, but we were willing to stay until He sent someone to us or provided a way out. After that, we made one more attempt, and the truck went over the hill with little effort. I’m still amazed at what God did on that day.

As I look back, I can see that God was teaching me to trust Him. I couldn’t see that, however, while I was stranded. God does things in ways we never would. He allows us get ourselves into situations, and then delivers us at a time when it is most productive for us.

I believe God would have us encourage those we meet by teaching them that He has a different perspective than we. He sees the big picture. He could deliver those caught up in the aftermath of natural disaster, but He doesn’t always choose to do so. He could heal those whose bodies are wracked with disease and pain, but He doesn’t always choose to do so. He could deliver those bloodied by the crush and pressure of everyday life, but He doesn’t always choose to do so. It can be a great encouragement to know that God is trustworthy and that He is simply looking at our situation from a different perspective. He is still in charge. He is still on His throne, but His ways are so much higher than our ways.

Let’s just trust Him to do what is best in every situation.

Mike Rasberry faithwalk@usa.net