Thinking Beyond Human Limits. Series

Isaiah 55 – Thinking Beyond human Limits

Today, I want to focus on a powerful idea from Isaiah 55:8–13 (read)—a reminder that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways. Isaiah’s prophecy speaks of a servant who would save God’s people, and we’ve seen through the Bible Project videos how this points to Jesus, born in humble circumstances yet worshipped across the world—even here in New Zealand.

This passage invites us to think differently—to think outside the box. We often limit ourselves, others, and even God. We box things in based on our experiences, education, and understanding. But God doesn’t operate within our limits. He consistently challenges them.

Let me give you a simple analogy: imagine someone who’s only ever eaten boiled mutton chops, cabbage, and salted potatoes. That’s their whole culinary world. But what if those same ingredients were seasoned, grilled, or transformed into something extraordinary? Why limit them?

In the same way, we often limit God to what we’ve known or experienced. Maybe we’ve kept Him at a distance, or maybe our understanding of His love is shaped by how we’ve been loved. But God wants to be known. He wants to be welcomed into our lives. And when we engage with Him—through Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit—we begin to see the potential He sees in us.

Isaiah 55:13 says, “Instead of the thorn bush will grow the pine tree and instead of the briers the myrtle will grow.…”—a beautiful image of transformation. God takes what seems useless and makes it treasured. He heals the broken, lifts the desolate, and uses the fool to confound the wise.

So here’s the question: Why compare ourselves to others when we can focus on the potential God sees in us? I’ve seen this in my own life. What we achieve in our own strength is nothing compared to what God can do through us. I am sure there are many here who can testify to that.

Isaiah 55:10–11 tells us that God’s word will not return empty—it will accomplish His purpose. So let’s not limit God. Let’s seek Him, listen to His voice, and allow Him to lead us beyond our own understanding.

What does God see in you?

I would like to invite you to think outside the box, in prayer asking God to show you the direction he wants you to take, to study his word. Being open to God taking you to a place well beyond your own understanding, for his thoughts are not our thoughts, and neither are his ways our ways.