Yoda, a Song, Life, and the Nature of God

​As a 12 year-old sitting in a Birmingham theater, the words of the Jedi Master, Yoda, rang in my ears.  “Do.   Or do not.  There is no try.” 
Yoda has just told Luke Skywalker to lift his “X-wing Fighter” from a swamp.  No machinery.  No physical movement.  Just use “the Force.”  Luke tells him that he’ll try.  Luke’s answer is what any normal human being would say when faced with a task beyond human capabilities.  Yoda’s answer is more aligned with someone who knows nothing of physical limitations.
 
I have a relationship with the only being in history who could truly act with Yoda’s principle as His modus operandi.  God doesn’t try.  He does.  There is a well-known Christian song by Don Moen entitled, “Ah, Lord God.”  The chorus says, “Nothing is too difficult for Thee….”  These lyrics are true.  Kind of.  The word “too” needs to be removed.  Nothing is difficult for God.  God does what should  be done, period.  When we humans endeavor to accomplish BIG things we have to think through motives, ramifications, upside/downside, profit/loss.  God knows all of those and controls them as a part of His nature.  He isn’t taxed by anything.  With God, He does or He does not.  There is no try.  There is no wondering if it is a good decision.  God knows what is best.  God knows all.  There is nothing He doesn’t know.  There is nothing He can’t do.  And, all that He does is good.
 
God spoke the universe into existence.  There was nothing.  Then, there was everything.  Why do we doubt God?  Mankind’s fall from perfect, sinless, unity with our maker came as a result of our doubting that God knew better than us.  Then, because God also loves us completely.  God rescued us by taking on human flesh.  He then sacrificed Himself to take away the sin that separated us.  Then, after tasting death, our God overcame death for us by raising Jesus from the grave. 
 
Recently, I have had a couple of life situations come up that made it clear that God was in control.  It helped me to remember,
that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28
I had an opportunity to develop a relationship with someone I admired and respected that apart from God’s hand, could have never happened.  This person is someone who has encouraged me through his teaching, writing, speaking, and life.  He lives nearly 800 miles from me.  We don’t run in the same circles…Until, God decided we should be friends.  He works His plans and will not be thwarted.  We cannot prevent God accomplishing His purposes. 
 
Another friend of mine was very unhappy in a job situation and had been looking for another job.  The job she really wanted looked to be unavailable.  Still, she trusted that God was in control.  Out of the blue (but not to God) she got a call offering her the job she really wanted including a big raise.  She wanted to figure out a way to spend some time with her family prior to starting the new job.  She couldn’t afford time off without a paycheck, so she thought she’d just have to work through til the new job started.  A month prior to starting the new job, she received a call from her then current employer letting her know that she was being let go.  However, they were going to pay her two months severance.  How in the world can this be seen in any way other than Someone else is in control and truly wants to care for and provide for His children.
What God has been impressing upon my heart is that He wants good for us even more than we do.  As limited beings, we wonder:  “What job should I have?”  “What path should I take?”  “What should I do with this relationship?”  “How are we going to make it?”  God doesn’t wonder.  God doesn’t try.  God does.  He is always working.  And, He is always working for the good of those who belong to Him. 
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.  Is. 55:8-9
When life is crazy I have to remember, God is in control.  He doesn’t try to be in control.  He is in control.  He doesn’t try to work things for my good.  He does work things for my good.  When I can’t see a way for Him to work and my eyes and my mind tell me I have to do this myself.  I must remember, His thoughts and His ways are higher than mine!  He sees all.  He knows all.  And, even the crap I go through on this side of Heaven will be used for my good and His purposes. 
God’s ways are the ways of one who is never defeated.  God’s ways are the ways of one who always does good.  God’s ways are the ways of one who knows all, sees all, and controls all.  He is also a God who loves completely and purely.  Because He is God, I can approach Him knowing that if it is best for me, He will do it.  “Do.  Or do not.  There is no try.”