“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. Isaiah 55:8
Recently we went on a one-week trip that turned into a six-week, seven-country journey.
We often quote Isaiah 55:8: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” On some level, it’s easy to nod along and agree. But in practice, we still tend to believe we have a better grasp on our lives and our future than He does. It’s as if we’re secretly convinced God is missing some of the most important, most pertinent information in our decision-making process.
We never planned to stay in Europe for six weeks. Our flight was booked for one: fly in, attend an event, fly home. We had a one-week mindset and a one-week suitcase. Before that leg of our spring itinerary, we’d planned to book tickets for the next ministry trip on the calendar. Sounds like a reasonable plan, until it wasn’t. Because of events overseas, the ticket prices went from comfortable to we-don’t-have-that-kind-of-money in the span of a few hours. And this wasn’t the price of an upgrade. This was coach.
With the ticket shock still fresh, the night before we left for Germany, we closed the computer, prayed for God to give us wisdom, and went to sleep. Fast forward to a train ride from the airport to our hotel: a challenge from the Lord to think differently, to consider things from another angle. What if, instead of flying home, we stayed? We could spend the money on a plane ticket, or we could spend that same money following Him down a different path.
So we decided to stay. There were obstacles to overcome, but each one fell like dominoes set into motion by a single push. With those out of the way, our attention turned to what next? Like a plan only God could arrange, we began making connections, booking flights, and setting out for countries that had been on our hearts for years. It was evident we were following a path only He could have laid out. What felt like a gut-punch a few days earlier was now unfolding like an itinerary planned with intention and purpose, a God-idea coming to life.
We met some of the most incredible heroes of the faith whose stories will never make it into the popular Christian magazines. People like the church-planting couple who never intended to start a church and are now on their third one “by accident.” The family who chose an unreached people group, where life is lonely and hard, but the lives changed are forever grateful. The single moms raising special-needs children, who get weekly visits from church members quietly investing in the overlooked corners of their own community. For these dedicated, faithful servants, “follow no matter the cost” isn’t a scripture quoted for a motivational moment. It’s their life.
Next to that, our own hardships felt small: a need for more socks, and a few other things we hadn’t packed for. But those inconveniences paled next to the sheer pleasure of following God on a journey. He was present, introducing us to some of His favorites. It felt like sitting in on a private moment, listening as these faithful ones shared their hearts while God watched. We saw His smile and sensed the proud heart of the Father beaming over them.
We all want the plan, a detailed, certain one that makes us feel comfortable. Planning matters, and God is certainly a planner. But trust isn’t built in the places where we already know the outcome, where we can wrap our hearts around everything we’ve decided is important. God’s ways are always better, more interesting, and more satisfying, in ways that can’t be measured in dollars or accolades. Stories. Memories. The path less traveled. Surrender. That’s where the greatest treasure of life will always be found.
If God is challenging you to step out of your comfortable place — don’t hesitate. Jump up and run to follow. You may hit a few challenges along the way, but He’s waiting to walk with you, to introduce you to His ways, His heart, and His favorite people.
What would happen if, just once, you closed the computer, said the prayer, and let Him rewrite the itinerary?