Sermon Devotional: How to Follow God's Way - Isaiah 55:8-9
Isaiah 55:8-9 provides an important glimpse into the immensity of God’s mind and plan for our lives. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways.” It’s here that we can begin to understand just how much we don’t understand.
When it comes to life, each of us has our own way of doing things. It could be as complex as a morning routine designed for success, or as simple as how the dishwasher should be loaded. But what happens when our way collides with someone else’s? What happens when the dishwasher is loaded "wrong," or the lawn is cut differently? It may still get done—and done well—but it’s not done your way. The truth is, we all have our way of doing things.
But what happens when our way gets in the way of what God wants to do in our lives? If we believe our way is the best, how do we respond when God’s way for us looks different? Too often, when our comfortable lives—the money we need, the job we love, the things we own—come into conflict with what God asks of us, our way seems more reasonable. So we stick with what’s familiar, and while we appreciate God’s help, we subtly tell Him, “I’ve got this.”
The reality is, living a Jesus-centered, kingdom-focused life requires us to leave our comfort zones. It demands that we set aside our ways and trust His, because His ways are higher, better, and carry a far greater purpose—and an even greater blessing.
When we live with open hands, we make room for God to do amazing things in our lives. It’s much easier to let Him work when we surrender than when He has to pry open our grip on what we refuse to let go of.
So, whose way are you following? What is God asking of you? Are you living with open hands, ready to act, or clinging to what’s comfortable just because it’s your way?
Things to think about
Where in my life am I holding onto "my way" instead of being open to God's way?
What is one comfort zone I need to step out of to live a more Jesus-centered, kingdom-focused life?
How can I practice living with "open hands" this week, allowing God to lead in new and unexpected ways?
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