Thoughts for another day

April 21, 2009.

Today's verse: Is. 55:8. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Helen was God fearing. She was comfortable in every way but her family was totally separated from each other because of a property feud. This troubled her. She had three brothers and two sisters and they didn’t see eye to eye except with her. Only she talked with them all and however much she tried, she couldn’t make them talk to each other. She prayed and prayed but nothing happened. Then one day, she fell ill, really ill. Fear of death filled her mind but her only thought was if she died, then she’d never see her brothers and sisters together. Therefore, amidst her tears, she fought with God, perturbed, that though she prayed, she didn’t see the answer to her prayer.

While she deteriorated, they came to visit her. Her body had given up most of its normal functions. One day, the elder brother broke down on seeing her. While he took her hand and sobbed, she gently asked how her other brothers were. He again sobbed and said he didn’t know, but he’d like to know. So she decided to call them all together at the same time. On the appointed day, they came and Helen told them, ‘I don’t think I’ve too long to live. My wish is we become the family we were, when we were children.’ Soon, it was as if a dam burst. All crying at the same time.

In her mind, Helen, though now very weak came to realise how God had answered her prayer, not in the manner she’d imagined though. Joy filled her heart. She sat up on her bed and they came and embraced her. Then she took their hands and put them into each others. They looked at each other and cried and cried. It was a marvelous sight and Helen thanked God with all her heart. After this, miraculously she began to feel well and in no time left the hospital with her brothers and sisters helping her.

A few weeks later they met at her elder brother’s and Helen recounted how she had prayed and the way God answered her prayer. Truly, she said, ‘God is wonderful. He made me sick so He could bring us together. I’d never imagined this as a solution, but God knew and He used it. His ways are so different. His thoughts are miles apart from us.’ They agreed with her even as they prayed together as one family.

My friend, this is just an illustration of God’s ways and His works. You and I can’t fathom His thoughts; they are so different from ours. When we reach a dead end and think it’s over, He can make us fly. When the sky seems gloomy with overcast clouds, He brings light unknown in the atmosphere. The greatness of God is that in each experience of ours, He brings about a remarkable story. The great heart mover that He is, He never allows unredeemable grief to His crying servants but always gives help in a manner that can change the lives of others who hear about it.