BEYOND OUR WAYS June 27, 2020

If there is one thing we must learn during this pandemic, it is that no matter how highly intelligent or wealthy and influential we are, the very important things in life are actually beyond our control.  We hear of famous people succumbing to the disease, the rich and the wealthy falling victims of it along with the nameless poor.  The only advantage is that those who are better off in life have some means to pay for medication, while far too many lack even its basic access.  But all the same, something unseen and imperceptible is a great equalizer in that, even a tiny drop brings us one step closer to the end of physical life.

There were some news reports of luxury brands and stores and large corporations who have declared bankruptcy because of the pandemic.  While grocery store sales have picked up exponentially.  Of course, when in crisis, nobody thinks of the aesthetics and the bragging points for OOTDs anymore.  Everybody just wants to stock up on basic necessities that they estimate will last them through lockdowns.

This is also a glaring reminder for all of us, lest we forget, that we are not in true control of our lives.  It is not even Nature, for something so fickle and unpredictable would be the last entity to have any semblance of control over itself, much more others.  It is only our Creator who knows what is happening, how long this suffering would last, and what we must do in order to cope with and thrive through this.

We learn in today’s Word in the book of the prophet Isaiah, chapter 55, verses 8 and 9 that GOD indeed declared since the olden times, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says 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.”

Our very best medical and health professionals are at a loss in understanding the exact true nature of our microscopic enemy.  No matter how many hours they put in on research, drugs and vaccines that worked in other diseases caused by similar viruses with slightly different genetic strains are still ineffective.  There are loopholes, weaknesses, missteps and failures in the administration of our highest leaders and their advisers with the very brilliant minds.

But if we turn to GOD’s Word, we can at least have some understanding why all these things are happening.  And with understanding, we start accepting our shortcomings and changing our ways for the better.  Didn’t King Solomon himself said in the book of Proverbs, chapter 1 verse 5, “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.”  And further, he declared in chapter 2 verse 6, “For the LORD gives wisdom: out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” 

Life and all that is in it, can only be properly and rightfully understood in light of GOD’s Word, for it is the only thing that makes us comprehend things without giving us the burden of old, outdated philosophies and vain traditions that are unable to keep up with the changing times.  It seems that, like what Bible scholars have observed, only GOD’s Word remains applicable through the modern times, beyond all rules of war and its engagements, to encompass laws on treaties and even trade and international diplomatic relations.

And so, if we feel that these days, there may be some things that are difficult to accept and hard to swallow, it is in our best interest if we turn to the Only One who can show us the truth, lead us in the right way, and truly give us life.  He said it Himself, in the gospel of John, chapter 14 verse 6: “Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me.”

May we take Him up at His offer, before time runs out on us: “Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah chapter 55 verses 6 and 7) 

And more than that, He will heal and sustain us too. “For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” (verses 12 and 13)

Life now may be burdensome, and we may feel like we are drowned down with fear and worries about our health and our future, and that of our loved ones too.  But we can have hope, we can exercise our choice.  We can go to our Father whose wisdom and understanding, and control of our history and eternal destiny is much higher beyond our ways.