Get on board with God. He’s got a better view than you.
As I glanced at the old majestic Royal Poinciana tree, I realized it needed some serious pruning. The branches extended way beyond the street and sidewalks. As a result, the roots also spread dangerously close to the drain field. The problem, however, was that the tree was near thirty feet tall.
The solution to my problem was to rent a “cherry picker” or hydraulic lift to reach the highest branches. When they delivered the hydraulic lift, the driver parked it in the driveway and then proceeded to brief me on how to operate the machinery. This explanation included a detailed rundown of the controls and safety protocols.
After familiarizing myself with the machine for a few minutes, I started trimming the tree. As my kids watched me maneuver the basket up and down and cut down branches up high, they asked to join me for a “ride.” “Papi, how high can that thing go?” they asked me. “Pretty high. I think almost fifty feet.” I replied.
“Well, we’d like to see. Can you take us up to the highest setting?” “O.K., I’ll take you guys up as soon as I’m done.” They then excitedly waited for me to finish up as they helped clean up. When done, I followed through on my promise and started to take them up one by one.
As I raised the basket higher and higher, I saw them experience both fear and excitement. The boys loved the thrill of seeing miles beyond our home and into other neighbors’ houses. For the first time in their life, they had a full view of the entire neighborhood. “Look at that! Wow! That building is miles away from here, but it looks so close.” one of my boys said excitedly.
After a few minutes of taking in the view, I lowered them back to their familiar perspective on ground level. “That was awesome. Thank you!” each one said. They would then share their experience, how great it was, and how they wanted to go even higher.
My story reminds me how our heavenly Father also has a higher perspective and view of things. Sometimes we can’t see beyond where we are or get the “whole picture.” Yet, sometimes, he takes us and shows us. Regardless, He asks us to trust Him because his perspective is higher than ours, and he has our best interest at heart because He loves us.
The only way to get on board with God is to read his word, pray and obey.
Daily Directive:
Answer and Journal the Following
FAITH
Pray:
First pray for insight and understanding of God’s word. Then and most importantly, how to apply it.
Read:
Isaiah 55:8-11
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
FIRE
Study:
Contemplate and meditate on or memorize the passage. What is God saying to you?
FURY
Share / Show:
What will you do with what you’ve learned? How will you apply this to your life and share or show this to others?
