Yesterday, I was going through old photos, letters and my own diaries. It was so fun to see pictures of fellow camp counselors and college friends. I also went through some writings of my own and realized that every experience I’ve gone through has taught me a lot. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without those experiences and those people along the way. I’ve learned to hang in there no matter what. God is always at work behind the scenes.

As I went through the pictures, I was also reminded how sometimes people think if something doesn’t come naturally to them, they give up. They just say ‘I’m not good at it’ and leave it at that. It might be okay when you talk about some hobbies. But it’s not an okay behavior when it comes to the matters of faith. God’s ways do not come naturally to us. We need to learn them.

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. ¹² I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. (Phil.4:11-12, NLT,*)

It is comforting to know even the apostle Paul had to learn things. We do need to take time to learn things God’s way. Most often it doesn’t come naturally to us. Our natural selfishness leads us astray if we are not tuned into God’s ways.

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. (Isaiah 55:8, NLT)

God’s ways are better than our ways. When we have learned this, it is easier to accept delays and difficulties along the way. It is easier to press on and keep on hoping despite of everything. When we have gotten to know God intimately, it is easier to believe when everything points out to the other direction.

How can we then learn God’s ways? By reading his Word, communicating with him in prayer, practicing what we believe. God will show us how when we just ask. God is always with us even if we don’t feel his presence. And, please do remember: we can also ask to feel his presence. We can learn God’s ways by interacting with him.

 

Dear God,
Thank you for wanting to be in relationship with me.
Thank you for always being there for me.
Thank you for teaching me your ways.
Shower me with your grace
according to your plan for me.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: What have your learned of God’s ways lately?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you learn God’s ways!

* [As you might have noticed, I enjoy reading the Bible in different translations and love comparing them. I have started linking the Bible verses to Biblegateway.com so you can easily read (and compare) them in the different versions I’ve used while preparing each post.].

Image courtesy of creationswap.com, design Mari-Anna Stålnacke.  Linking up today with Dance with Jesus, Faith-filled Fridays, Five Minute Friday, Faith Barista, and WordswithWinter.