Just Thinking

Isaiah 55:8 - “My thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways.”

These words ring more true to me now than ever before, simply because of a recent storm that occurred in my life. I'm not talking about an emotional storm, but a real, physical storm. You know, rain from the heavens.......and I mean a lot of rain!

Before I can make my point about what I learned about storms, I have to share a little bit about what led up to the storm. I had owned a small delivery business with a partner since 2002, and upon sensing God calling me into a field of ministry in the early summer of 2005, I attempted to surrender my half of the business to my partner. Due to the volatile nature of the delivery business, he declined the offer and we decided to sell the truck and close the business. Sounds simple enough. Right?

“My thoughts are not your thoughts....”

Now, back to my storm. In the few weeks that we had been in our office, we had seen little rain activity. Perhaps a sprinkle here and there, but nothing like this day! The trees were swaying back and forth as if they were trying to get my attention – perhaps a cry for help! I watched in amazement as the lower portion of our property took on the appearance of a small lake. And then it hit me! All of the water was coming from the direction of my truck. All I could think about was the truck getting stuck or sliding off the small bank that I had parked it on. I had no choice but to check on it, so I began frantically looking for an umbrella. Nothing! Then, my eye spotted a large Rubbermaid lid for one of our trashcans. I laugh as I re-think how silly I must have looked as I headed towards the truck. I remember being keenly aware of my surroundings as I approached the truck, and being concerned about causing an accident by what people may see, I quickly threw the lid aside under some nearby trees and darted for the truck.


Just as I thought! There really was a river of water running right underneath my truck! I had to rescue it before it was too late! As I hopped into the truck and tried to move it, I suddenly realized what the term “too late” really means.

“.....and my ways are not your ways.”

I'm not sure what sank first.....or quicker – my heart or my truck. I honestly think my heart won that competition. It was obvious that I had waited too late by the sound of the engine, the transmission indicator being in the “D” position, and the lack of movement ..... except for “down.”

The squishing of mud and the rushing of cool water over the tops of my feet were quick reminders of just how bad my situation had become as I exited the cab of the truck for my return to the office. I retrieved my Rubbermaid lid and headed back to the office, wondering just how long and how bad my truck would be stuck.


James