GOD’S WAYS ARE HIGHER
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Isaiah 55:8-9
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
— Isaiah 55:8–9 (KJV)
INTRODUCTION:
God’s ways are often beyond human understanding, yet they are always perfect, purposeful, and full of divine wisdom. As believers, we must learn to trust in His sovereignty, even when we cannot trace His steps. Life will present situations where God’s methods will challenge our logic—but these are the moments where faith must rise above reason.
The Bible is filled with examples of God acting in unusual ways to bring about His will. From choosing the least likely people to using the smallest means for the greatest miracles, His ways continually remind us that He operates from an eternal, all-knowing perspective. When we submit to His ways, we are positioned to walk in peace and victory.
This message will explore five truths about the higher ways of God and why we must trust His divine process, especially when life does not make sense.
1. GOD’S WAYS TRANSCEND HUMAN LOGIC
Before we try to interpret God's methods through human reasoning, we must acknowledge that His understanding is infinite and His actions are perfect.
a) God operates beyond human wisdom (Romans 11:33)
His decisions are based on divine foresight and purpose, not just present circumstances.
b) He sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10)
What may appear as a detour to us is often a deliberate part of His design.
c) Human plans may fail, but God's purpose stands (Proverbs 19:21)
Even our best plans cannot override the counsel of the Lord.
d) God can use foolish things to confound the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27)
His wisdom is revealed in what the world considers weak or foolish.
Biblical Example: God choosing David, a shepherd boy, to become king instead of any of Jesse's older sons (1 Samuel 16:1-13).
2. GOD’S WAYS INVOLVE DELAYS THAT DEVELOP CHARACTER
What we consider a delay is often God's method of preparation, purification, or positioning for a greater purpose.
a) Delays help to build endurance and maturity (James 1:3-4)
God uses waiting periods to develop strength and faith.
b) In God's timing, all things become beautiful (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
His calendar is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with ours.
c) Spiritual growth is often hidden during seasons of delay (Galatians 6:9)
We must not faint, for reward is coming at the right time.
d) God never forgets His promises even when it seems long (Habakkuk 2:3)
Though the vision tarries, it will surely come to pass.
Biblical Example: Joseph's journey from the pit to the palace involved 13 years of delays and hardship (Genesis 37, 39–41).
3. GOD’S WAYS USE THE UNLIKELY TO ACHIEVE THE EXTRAORDINARY
God delights in using vessels that men would overlook to accomplish His greatest works.
a) He does not look on outward appearance but on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7)
His criteria for selection are not man’s standards.
b) God lifts the humble and opposes the proud (James 4:6)
Humility attracts divine elevation.
c) He calls the weak and equips them by His Spirit (Zechariah 4:6)
Strength for service comes from divine empowerment.
d) He chooses the poor to be rich in faith (James 2:5)
Spiritual wealth is often found in unexpected people.
Biblical Example: Gideon, who saw himself as the least in his family, was used by God to deliver Israel (Judges 6–7).
4. GOD’S WAYS LEAD THROUGH SUFFERING INTO GLORY
Many of God’s greatest blessings are preceded by seasons of suffering or trial.
a) Suffering is often a pathway to God’s glory (Romans 8:18)
Temporary pain can lead to eternal purpose.
b) Trials produce spiritual maturity and perseverance (1 Peter 1:6-7)
God refines us through fiery circumstances.
c) God is closest when we are broken (Psalm 34:18)
He uses brokenness to build intimacy and dependence.
d) Those who endure suffering share in Christ's glory (2 Timothy 2:12)
Our trials become testimonies of divine faithfulness.
Biblical Example: Job, who lost everything but was later restored and blessed beyond measure (Job 1–42).
5. GOD’S WAYS END IN VICTORY AND FULFILMENT
Even when the journey seems uncertain, the outcome of God’s way is always glorious and victorious.
a) God’s plans are for our welfare and not for evil (Jeremiah 29:11)
He is always working for our ultimate good.
b) He finishes what He starts (Philippians 1:6)
God's projects are never abandoned.
c) All things work together for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28)
Nothing in our lives is wasted when surrendered to God.
d) Victory belongs to the Lord, even in our battles (Proverbs 21:31)
The end of the matter is always peace and praise.
Biblical Example: The children of Israel, though they wandered for 40 years, entered the Promised Land under Joshua (Joshua 1–6).
CONCLUSION:
The ways of God may confuse us, delay us, or even challenge our beliefs—but they are always right. God invites us to trust Him, not because we understand, but because He is faithful and true. In every storm, in every silence, and in every surprise, God is working out something greater than we can imagine.
When we surrender to His ways, we find rest for our souls, clarity for our direction, and joy in His perfect plan. May we always remember that His ways are higher, His thoughts are deeper, and His plans are better than anything we could design for ourselves.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, help me to trust Your ways even when I do not understand.
2. Father, deliver me from every spirit of impatience and unbelief.
3. Lord, let my heart align with Your divine process and timing.
4. Teach me to rejoice even in trials, knowing that You are working through them.
5. Father, reveal the purpose in every season of my life.
