"My thoughts are not your thoughts"

"'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,' declares 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

Everyday we have a choice to see You working. So many times we shut down and refuse to see because of some pain in our life. We magnify and end up glorifying the pain by giving it our full attention and focus. We then shut You out,  and neglect to see what You are really trying to do through it. There is a reason for the fire. Instead of focusing on the reason for the fire, we focus on the flames and destruction. Why would we do that when it only makes us hurt more?

I was reading an article and I stumbled upon a perfect depiction of fires, "fire is a natural part of every forest, breathing new life into forests by promoting new growth and regeneration. Creative destruction."

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" -Philippians 4:4 

Is this not the same for us? The fires in our life could be "Creative destruction" for "new growth and regeneration". So shouldn't we instead be rejoicing? Rejoicing a new start? Shouldn't our hearts be thankful? Fire in our life is going to happen. We have to accept that. It is not always easy to sit back and watch the flames destroy everything you know or had. God has our best interest at heart though. He knows what we need, what we desire even before we do.

"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven..." -Ecclesiastes 3:1-10

There is a time and place for everything. There is a time for fire, and there is a time for rebirth. We should always position our hearts in gratitude to Him who seeks out our best. Our understanding is so limited. We are so easily swayed. We have the world around us that chooses to focus on the flames. However, I praise God for His omnipotence. He sees beyond what we can understand or know, and He loves us beyond what we can understand or know. For that reason alone we should be rejoicing in all things.


"And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;" -1 Peter 3:13-15