His Ways Are Not Our Ways

The sooner we learn this, the happier we will be!

I recently stumbled upon a revelation on how to be joyful, content, and happy in this life while we are here on earth! This is a lifelong quest for all of us. Would you like to know what it is? Are you sure you really want to know? Okay, if you insist, I’ll share what I discovered with you. Ready? It’s letting go and letting God. It’s truly asking and seeking His Way above our own way. It’s forgetting about human reasoning and seeking the higher reason. It means we can’t always understand or make sense out of things especially when it comes to our heart.

Isaiah 55:8-9

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares 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."

I’m sure many of you who read this blog are familiar with the Gannon family. Ray and Kassiani Gannon are dear friends. Dr. Ray Gannon has been involved in widespread Jewish evangelism, Messianic synagogue planting, and Bible college and seminary teaching ministries over the past four decades. After successful Jewish evangelism and discipling ministry in the early 1970s, Ray pioneered his first Messianic congregation in 1973 in Los Angeles. They have been faithful ministers for the Kingdom of God for over 50 years. They have children and grandchildren. Recently one of their grandchildren, age 11, suddenly passed away. There are no words to say when a tragedy like this happens. I’m sure that no matter how strong a Believer is…when tragedies like this happen, there are no words.

Then a few weeks ago, our dear friends and Co-Rabbi’s Ben and Martha Mendoza, who are faithful servants of the Gospel and faithful parents suddenly lost their oldest son in his sleep. In less than two months, two heartbreaking tragedies happened. The truth is, we don’t know the day or time when anyone will leave this earth. There is no sense that can be made of these situations. Let’s look at Scriptures responses:

John 14:27

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Scripture tells us to not let our hearts be troubled, and we should not be afraid. Is this possible? Yes, I know it is. How do we do this? Our focus must be on God and His Kingdom and His glory.

Psalm 55:22

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."

Just when we think we can’t take it anymore, He sustains us, He cares for us in every way.

Deuteronomy 31:6

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

We must remember we are NEVER alone. Unlike humans, HE is not capable of lying to us, so if HE says HE will never leave us or forsake us. We can and should count on Him. We are never alone.

Psalm 147:3

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

There is light at the end of the tunnel. He heals our broken hearts like only He can do. He binds up our wounds. Just think of it this way… if we have an open wound, He closes it up! He is the great Physician. What I am saying is this: we must rely on our Heavenly Father in these situations and every situation we face. There is only one way, His way. May He grant us peace in every situation. For our dear friends, Ray and Kassiani Gannon and Ben and Martha Mendoza, we pray God’s shalom and comfort upon them and that they would be able to recall all the wonderful memories of their loved ones. May they be a testimony to other people and family members who do not yet believe. May this situation bring family members closer together. May God heal their broken hearts. We pray these things in Yeshua’s name.

PS: Why not explore some of our teachings online?

Unless otherwise notated, Scripture quotations are from the Tree of Life (TLV) Translation of the Bible. Copyright © 2015 by The Messianic Jewish Family Bible Society. All rights reserved

[i] Excerpts from a sermon Grace Upon Grace by John W. Ritenbaugh https://www.cgg.org/index.cfm/library/sermon/id/189/grace-upon-grace.htm