God’s Ways Are Not Man’s Ways

By Joe Sullivan, MJ • Phoenix, AZ

The surgeon banned me from driving for a couple of months. That’s OK, I need the break anyway. 

I took a Lyft a few days ago to the dentist. I am so used to driving people to their doctors’ appointments, it felt a bit strange to be driven to mine. The shoe was now on the other foot. I climbed in. 

It was 110 degrees outside. Phoenix summer!

 Cassandra kept her car immaculately clean. I was impressed. “How you doin’?” I inquired, mostly out of courtesy. “Doing what I can. Just that I got so much going on I get overwhelmed.” “I hear you.” I was taken aback by her honesty and candidness. This, I did not expect. 

A single mother of three, working three jobs and still can’t meet the demands of just surviving and taking care of her kids. “I wanted to rest a little today, but when I saw your ride come up on my screen, I had to take it. I am $60 short on my rent, and I need to find it today.” I was listening to every word she was saying. 

“Keep praying the Good Lord will bless me but, so far, I see nothing but struggle up ahead.” “I know what you mean,” I told her. “I have had bad things happen to me and it turns out they were huge blessings.” Cassandra was intrigued. “We can never know what is in the mind of God,” I added. 

“Yes! God’s ways are not man’s ways,” she agreed. “That is why I pray to surrender all to God. He knows best. We should be like Job. We give thanks to God for all the good things He gives us. Should we not give thanks for all the bad as well?” 

Cassandra thought hard. “Yes! You are right! I knew there was a reason God brought you to me today!”

 As we reached the dentist I got out but not before handing her a large cash tip. I saw a tear in her eye. “Thank you so much!” I gave her an online tip as well. 

God is Good! All the Time!