Predictable


Predictable.

Predictable is "safe" in our minds. We think it's good and therefore desire it in our lives. But let's face it, predictability is not the norm. It has not purchased tickets to the ride of our life. We may think predictability is safe, but we sometimes fail to realize that it's not a natural part of life.

If you haven't guessed it yet, I'm talking about a predictable life where everything goes according to our plans and fits on our calendar. It's the bills being paid on time, the job that continues to give you a raise, the healthy family of yours, the cars and appliances all in working order, and the spouse that will always love you no matter what.

Predictability is a family portrait Christmas card life. Something that looks great on the outside and on the inside. Most often though, the outside is merely a pretty picture with something less beautiful on the inside.

If life really went the predictable route we want it to go, we would miss out on some amazing adventures of faith and trust! We would most certainly miss out on the peace and contentment we gain through longsuffering and endurance.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith 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)

I used to read this passage in Isaiah with fear and trepidation. This passage slaps my predictability in the face! God often has a different path for me than I have planned for myself and my future. At times I find myself holding on too tightly to my own dreams that I'm scared allow a different path into my thinking. But God's thoughts for my present and future circumstances are higher (better) than I can imagine! It's better than what I can see with my small mindedness.

God has the big picture of my life and I only have a few pieces of the puzzle. Sometimes I try to guess what the big picture is by forcing my pieces of the puzzle in places God never intended them to go. We all need His guidance so that we don't make mistakes and mess up parts of our lives that were supposed to be beautiful and meaningful.

When we try to force things where they don't belong, we get trapped in a self-created pit of despair. Whenever I get my mind overwhelmed with trying to figure out the puzzle, I have to go to Christ and ask for new perspective. I need a new way of looking at my circumstances or situations in a way that doesn't lead to despair and hopelessness. When we ask for new perspective, He will give it to us! He will change our mindset as we read His Word and listen to His Word being preached. The Bible is how He communicates with His children and is literally His letter of love to us.

"Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer." (Proverbs 25:4)

God's ways take the vain and worthless parts of our life and sets them on fire, and after the refining, what is left is precious and beautiful and fit for His service and plans. Sometimes His higher thoughts for us require a sacrifice of something in our life. Just as an athlete needs to sacrifice certain foods and activities during training, we may be asked to give up things in our lives and lay them aside for a greater purpose. This doesn't sound like fun, but self-discipline is rarely something we enjoy. We do, however, get to enjoy the results if we have been faithful at our task of putting off what is unnecessary and weighs us down.

God doesn't want a vessel that is tarnished with our own thoughts, desires, and dreams of predictability. He wants us pure and ready for His thoughts and desires to be fulfilled in us! Are you prepared to let go of something He may be asking you to give up? Are you ready to do whatever He asks you to do? Are you willing to go where He wants you to go?

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11)

God's plans are plans of peace and hope. He will not lead you to a place of desolation, so walk forth in peace knowing that His ways are better than your ways.

He is always with you, and His best truly is always best for you!


~ Tiffany ~

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