Trusting God’s Ways When You Don't Understand

"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."

(Isaiah 55:9, ESV)

Have you ever prayed persistently for something you were certain was good, only to hear God’s answer of “No” or “Not Yet”? When that happens in my life, I can wrestle with understanding why. Several weeks ago, I struggled with one of those circumstances, yet God showed me His Ways are so much higher than mine.

(** This story is shared with my daughter's permission!)

In the last few months of our daughter’s pregnancy, we prayed earnestly that she would go into natural labor and the baby would be delivered without the need for a C-section (as was the case with her first pregnancy). She took action during her pregnancy to prepare for what is called a VBAC, and to improve her health overall. We had great expectation and anticipation of God’s answer. Most of all, we prayed that God’s will would be done to deliver a healthy baby and a healthy mama. 

But in all honesty, when the due date came and went, and at 41 weeks the doctors advised a C-section, I struggled with disappointment and even anger at God.

“Why won’t you answer yes to this, Lord?  She has been through so much, and this would be such a blessing to her. I don’t understand why!”

On the day of the scheduled delivery, the situation became urgent due to our daughter’s declining platelet count. After they whisked her back to the OR, we checked our cell phones every few minutes for the next two hours, waiting for news. 

Then came the phone call from our son-in-law with wonderful news—our daughter had given birth to a beautiful baby girl, and both the baby and mom were doing well. Thank you, Lord!

But what he shared next stunned me. Based on the surgeon’s assessment, if our daughter had gone into labor naturally, she would have been at high risk of severe complications for the baby and possible uterine rupture.

Wow. Humbled and speechless, I went from disappointment to awe. God knew exactly the way our daughter and precious baby needed to go for a safe delivery. God’s “No” was truly the best way.

Later, as I reflected on that day, I remembered God’s words in Isaiah 55.

“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.” (vs.9)

Even when we don’t understand why God may answer our prayer with a “No” or “Not Yet”, we can take comfort in knowing that His Ways are higher than our ways.  

How can we know God’s Ways? As we search the Bible, we find descriptions such as perfect, just, faithful, upright, and beyond our comprehension.

“This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 18:30)

“The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4)

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Romans 11:33)

To understand God’s ways, we need only look to The Way.

“Jesus said to him,“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) 

God’s Ways are also abundant grace and compassion.

In my ESV Study Bible, the heading for Isaiah 55 is The Compassion of the Lord.

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” (vs. 6-7)

God's abundant grace and compassion are part of His Higher Ways.

Maybe you have been praying for months and even years for a “Yes” answer from God, such as healing from disease, healing a broken relationship, or salvation for a beloved family member. It may seem like God is delaying His answer, or answering No. Yet God wants us to keep coming to Him. He can handle our wrestling and our disappointment.

(Read Luke 18:1-8, a parable Jesus told “to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.”(vs.1)

We can pray diligently, earnestly, and in humility, without relying on our own ways or understanding.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV

Friend, let us keep going to the Lord, with a posture of trust – He is truly full of grace and compassion, and His ways are Higher. He is a Good Father!

 “Father, we come to you with our yearnings and desires, our prayers for good. And we also acknowledge our weakness and humility, and ask for forgiveness for the times we don’t trust Your Ways. Thank you for your abundant grace and compassion. Lead us on the path of following Jesus, The Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Amen