HIS THOUGHTS ARE NOT OURS
“… One night the Master spoke to Paul in a dream: “Keep it up, and don’t let anyone intimidate or silence you. No matter what happens, I’m with you and no one is going to be able to hurt you. You have no idea how many people I have on my side in this city.” That was all he needed to stick it out. He stayed another year and a half, faithfully teaching the Word of God to the Corinthians.”
Acts 18:8-11 MSG
Paul’s journey in Corinth was not easy. The opposition and resistance were so heavy, that the temptation to give up lingered in his heart . Yet in the very place of discouragement, the Lord exhorted him with a gentle reminder: His thoughts were not Paul’s thoughts, nor His ways Paul’s ways.
There will be moments of weariness, where ministry may feel fruitless, relationships feel strained, or life itself feels overwhelming as may have been for Paul in his tribulations. We may be quick to interpret silence or hardship as abandonment; but God’s perspective is higher. He sees the unseen, knows the hidden hearts, and counts victories long before we do. Just as Paul could not yet see the many in Corinth who would come to faith, we too often cannot see the ripple effect of our obedience.
God’s word to us as it was to Paul echoes through eternity: “Keep it up, don’t let fear silence you. I am with you.” That is all we need to continue. His presence secures us. His promise sustains us. His unseen plan is at work, even when our eyes only sees in part. So child of God, take heart — the battle you fight in faith is not in vain. The seeds you plant will grow in God’s time.
And when your thoughts tell you to quit, remember: His thoughts are not ours, and His ways are always better.
Prayer: My Father, I thank You that Your thoughts are higher than mine, and Your ways far beyond what I can see. Strengthen my understanding of rest in the assurance of Your presence. Empower my faith to believe that what You are doing is far greater than I can imagine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Isaiah 55:8–9
•2 Corinthians 12:9
•Joshua 1:9
