A devotional author describes learning her Christian parents—who she says were church leaders—planned to divorce. She writes that she was angry and “extremely frustrated,” but says reading Isaiah 55:8–11 gave her hope by reminding her of God’s sovereignty and the need to surrender to what God allows.
Isaiah 55:8–11 and surrender
The author cites Isaiah 55:8–9 (NASB1995): “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares 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.” She writes that the passage helped her acknowledge, in her words, what God was “allowing—not causing,” and to trust God’s purposes during the family upheaval.
Romans 8:28–29 in context, the author says
The writer also points to Romans 8:28–29a (NASB1995): “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son…” She argues that this is not a blanket promise of a silver lining for every hardship, but—she says—assurance for those who love God that surrendered struggles can be used to conform believers to Christ’s image. In her view, the key is surrender rather than searching for benefits in the frustration itself.
Note: The source headline refers to eight Scriptures to read when frustrated, but the provided excerpt details two passages—Isaiah 55:8–11 and Romans 8:28–29.
