A Higher Way

Isaiah 55:8-9

“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.”

Working in the mission field is so very interesting. It’s rewarding. It’s fun. It’s beautiful. It’s also challenging and exhausting. It’s different. Simply put: it’s a little weird for me. I often start talking about my job by saying “Yeah, my job is real weird…” and then continue to describe what my typical day looks like. What we do as overseas missionaries has a fundamental “otherness” to it… We work with and live in a culture that is different than ours. But at the same time, we work with other Americans.

I rarely don’t notice the “otherness” of the life I’ve been called to until I’m talking through my typical day with another American. The differences are highlighted; what I do and how my schedule flows is truly foreign to them. Some weeks, it’s easy to talk about what I do. The differences are funny, and even quite beautiful. You can see God’s mighty hand in what is unfamiliar. Other weeks, what is different and unfamiliar feels difficult and isolating.

During these challenging days, these days where the “otherness” of what I have been called to reminds that walking in obedience isn’t always easy, I often find myself asking God “Really… You thought I was cut out for this? You thought I was good fit to be here?”

And that is when Isaiah 55:8 is brought to my mind….

My thoughts are not your thoughts. My ways are not your ways.

When I am questioning whether or not I am qualified to do the job I am doing – because of past sin, because of my age, because the way look, think, and live is different than the people around me… because, because, because….

My thoughts are not your thoughts. My ways are not your ways.

When I find myself having difficult conversations with the people group I work with – conversations where I am challenging cultural norms. Conversations where I am pointing to the truth of Jesus. Conversations where sin is actively being called out. Conversations that feel uncomfortable. Conversations that I am clearly called to have that still leave me feeling way in over my head.

My thoughts are not your thoughts. My ways are not your ways.

When I am faced with danger and the unknown.

My thoughts are not your thoughts. My ways are not your ways.

When I’m struggling to communicate in Kreyol because I am so physically and mentally exhausted, and I wonder how on earth I’ll ever get past being “conversational” and move into fluency.

My thoughts are not your thoughts. My ways are not your ways.

When my family and friends in the States struggle to understand why I choose to stay where I’m at, even when unrest and violence are ongoing. When choosing to stay makes them sad and anxious….

My thoughts are not your thoughts. My ways are not your ways.

When I know I need to extend grace, mercy, and forgiveness to a person. Even when I know the offender wouldn’t do the same for me if the situation were reversed. Even when I know they will likely hurt me again.

My thoughts are not your thoughts. My ways are not your ways.

When what I must say is not what the person in front of me is wanting to hear. When I say “No – I can’t buy that for you. I can’t cover that bill. I can’t give you that.” When I’m choosing what is best instead of what is wanted, and all I can do is pray that my love for my friends and the love of Jesus is still felt… that my friend still knows they are valued, and that they see truth.

My thoughts are not your thoughts. My ways are not your ways.

When the Lord uses me as a part of His plan in the lives of my friends in spite of our cultural differences

My thoughts are not your thoughts. My ways are not your ways.

As my trust and reliance on Him grows exponentially through each trial, difficult day, and rough conversations… growth that happens because of the challenges.

My thoughts are not your thoughts. My ways are not your ways.

Through the joy of new and “unlikely” friendships.

My thoughts are not your thoughts. My ways are not your ways.

As I grow more and more into the woman I am called to be – in a place very different from my original “home”.

My thoughts are not your thoughts. My ways are not your ways.

As the desires of my heart are fulfilled according to His will.

My thoughts are not your thoughts. My ways are not your ways.

Today, I am thankful for a God who knows better than I. I am thankful for His guidance. I am thankful that He is trustworthy and good. I am thankful that His ways are not like mine.

Lord, thank You. Thank you for Your infinite wisdom. Thank You for calling to me a purpose and life far different and greater than I could have ever imagined. You knew what You were doing when You called me. You already what would be difficult and seemingly impossible. May I never forget that You are the One who called me – this journey belongs to You. Your ways are higher. Your ways better. May we always trust in this truth.