As I look back on my journey of faith, especially our years in ministry, I've discovered some surprises about my Father. He discloses His heart to us by saying “I AM NOT” as much as when He declares, “I AM.” God isn’t…v Worried
The Good Shepherd is not afraid that if the economy fails, He won’t be able to supply your needs. His provision is based on His riches (Philippians 4:19), not global events or your employment status. Heaven is off limits to recession and depression. If you are God’s child and you’re a tither, He has promised to care for you. He won’t become angry if you are bold enough to remind Him of that promise. I think it would compliment the Lord that you are coming to Him instead of the government or Uncle Charlie.
v Tired
When you approach your Father, asking the same favor for the three hundredth time, He doesn’t say, “Oh, you again? I have more important people and things to manage today.” He longs to have pity on you and show you favor. He rises to have compassion on you (Isaiah 30:18). Jesus said, “If you, a mere earthly father will give good things to your kids, how much more will your Heavenly Father give to those who ask Him?”v Offended
The Master of the universe doesn’t feel insulted when ungodly people take His name in vain, refuse to believe in Him, or twist His Word around to suit their narrow perceptions. It doesn’t distress Him if people try to explain creation by theories or attempt to prove He doesn’t exist. In fact, He laughs at them (Psalm 2:4). But, I do sometimes wonder if He cringes when His kids act worse than heathens, fighting among themselves. That may tick Him off…
v Stupid
The God of all Wisdom knows more than all of us put together. I know it’s laughable to see it in print. Then, why do we seek His guidance as Plan Z instead of A? Why do we trust people’s word over His? He has all the direction we will ever need. When we ask, He promises to share (James 1:5). And don’t think He only speaks in church on Sunday morning between 9:30 and noon through a trained preacher. Open your Bible some Tuesday afternoon or Saturday morning and see what’s happening in His heart.
The Lord of creation loves to surprise us by solving things His way, rather than how we’ve figured it out. He used a pimple-faced, sweaty teenager to kill a giant that had an entire army terrified. What unconventional method might He use to fix your problem?
Have you discovered other ways "God Isn't"?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: A spunky, sometimes reluctant pastor’s wife of thirty-six years, Jeanette has published articles, greeting card verses, stories and calendar poems. She authors a bi-weekly humor/inspirational column in her local newspaper, and enjoys speaking to church and civic groups, offering hope and humor in every message. She is the mother of two, grandmother of three, and waitress to several cats. Find her blog, On Wings of Mirth and Worth, at http://jeanettelevellie.blogspot.com/








The Pastor's Wife Speaks is a safe place for women living on the front lines of ministry to share and support each other. But you don't have to be married to a pastor to hang out here. Regardless of how you're connected to ministry, you are welcome. Enjoy and be blessed!
So profound. Well said, dear friend. And a great reminder.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Susan
We tend to make up God in our image, projecting our anger and judgmentalism onto Him, holding a false image of God. I love studying the names of God and His attributes. I list who God says He is and what he says he will do when I trust Him. When I face struggles, I review my list to remind me of what he wants to accomplish in my life and circumstances.
ReplyDeleteLove this, Jeanette! So much truth in this list. I enjoyed this different take and think you're exactly right. What He ISN'T is a great way to find out Who and What He is.
ReplyDeleteThanks, J.
Smiling and waving,
Rhonda
Thanks, Susan. I appreciate your request on FB to re-post this on your lovely blog. Feel free!
ReplyDeleteScoti: What a great idea! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Rhonda: Sometimes my husband will use "God Isn't" lists in his sermons to make a point. Really makes you think!
God will always be bigger than what I can imagine. He shows me every day that my cares belong at His feet. He is fully able, to do exceeding abundantly more than I can ask or think.
ReplyDeleteMy hairdresser said it best,"we need to get up and give God his seat back."
Jeanette, love your insight into what God isn't. The one that I felt most today, was-He isn't tired when I come to Him for the umpteenth time.
ReplyDeleteAhh, amen and amen, sister!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is . . . God is not offended.
ReplyDeleteFondly,
Glenda
I LOVED this posting.............
ReplyDeleteTamika: I like your hairdresser!
ReplyDeleteKaren: I need to remind myself of this, too.
Glenda: That one surprised me too, when I thought of it.
Brenda: Why, thank you!
You have a lot of food for thought in this post. It makes me think, that's a good thing.
ReplyDeleteI like this. Such a practical list of ways we "are" but He "isn't." A good list to remind Satan of when He's trying to dicourage us. I may be--but God isn't!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Pamela