My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways. I don’t expect you to understand everything. (Isaiah 55:8-9), but here’s what I want you to know:
What God says about you:
I designed you
I planned you
I made you
I love you
I like you
I want you
I care about you
I bought you
I forgave you
I am with you
I have more for you
What God says about Himself
I know what I am doing
What God says that you can expect from Him:
I have given enough information – if you’re willing to pay attention – to know that I exist.
I will give you more information – if you’re willing to listen – to know that I am trustworthy to do what is best for you.
If you will ask, I will show you that you can trust Me.
If you’ll come to me, I will give you rest
What God says He expects from you
Trust in the Remedy I have provided for your sin
Make Me Lord of your life
Trust Me to get you through
What God says you need to keep in mind:
That I am God, and you are not
That My ways are not your ways
That My thoughts are not your thoughts
That I’m not obligated to do things your way
That I’m not obligated to explain myself
My ways may require pain – on your part, or on the part of those you love
And know this:
You can’t out-do My love. So –
– Don’t presume that you are more loving than I am.
– Don’t presume that you are wiser than I am. (“If I were God, I’d …”)
I don’t negotiate.
Also,
I can do anything
I’m not trying to confuse you – that’s the devil
I want you to have peace
I want you to have joy
My plan has an eternal perspective
– It may involve pain
– But only enough to accomplish my purpose in you
– If that’s only to teach you something, the pain will end when you learn it.
– If there is more, I’ll help you to endure it
– It may be to learn how to comfort someone else
– Please trust me
– That’s your only way to peace
This list began on a napkin as Lynda and I were sitting in Starbucks one morning several years ago waiting for our car to be serviced across the street. We don’t remember what got the conversation started, but we began just writing down from memory what we saw as the message of the Bible. We have made modifications along the way since.
Note: There are very few original statements in this. Even where I haven’t cited the source of a statement, it is likely that I got it from someone else. No plagiarism is intended. Because He lives, Gary Crocker.
