The Unexpected Interpreter
“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.”
(Isaiah 55:8–9)
This wasn’t going according to plan… and I felt my calm trust suddenly evaporate.
Moments before, I was excited. I was about to teach a Bible study, and I knew there were going to be several people attending who did not believe in Jesus. Many there had never heard the gospel, and although some had only a limited understanding of English, I wasn't concerned because I had a capable interpreter. That is… until I didn’t.
My joy and anticipation was soon smothered by doubt when I was told my interpreter had gotten called away. I didn’t even have time to say, “Why Lord? This is such a good opportunity!”
The person who delivered the news then happily added, “But don’t worry – we have someone else who has volunteered to interpret for you.”
My first reaction was anything but enthusiastic when I learned who had volunteered. In fact, the theological warning lights on my dashboard started flashing.
I had met the young woman, in her twenties, the previous day. She had arrived a day or two earlier after spending quite some time at a desert ashram, a spiritual retreat center focused on meditation and Eastern religious practices. From my limited interaction with her, she seemed full of eastern mystical and New Age thoughts. I had heard the owner of the hostel talking with her about Jesus, and then heard her response laden with mixed up spiritual beliefs.
No, no, no! was racing through my head. I cannot have this young woman interpreting God’s Word… it just isn’t right!
However, I quickly realized I really had no other choice and also remembered that God was bigger than this seeming obstacle. I felt convicted almost immediately as my unexpected interpreter came toward me with a wide smile, telling me, “I’ll do my best for you.” She genuinely wanted to help!
The Bible study went very well. My “New Age interpreter” did great, and she seemed to really enjoy not only translating, but the study itself.
During the remainder of her stay, the hostel owner and his wife, along with several others and myself, continued to share with her the hope and the new life found through faith in Jesus the Messiah. Then, to my great surprise and joy, a couple of days after, this young woman finally found the peace she had been searching for. She sincerely confessed faith in Jesus, the Son of God, and received His offer of forgiveness and eternal life!
In the Scriptures, God used a great fish to reroute a reluctant prophet. He used a donkey, ravens, pagan kings, a prostitute, a Roman centurion, a young virgin, and countless others to accomplish His divine purposes.[1] Yes, the words of the prophet Isaiah ring true – His thoughts and ways are much higher than ours, and for that, we can be exceedingly thankful.
As I reflected on all that happened, I couldn’t help but wonder: did God choose the interpreter for the Bible study, or did He arrange the Bible study for the interpreter? Whatever the case, God faithfully used many people and many circumstances to bring this daughter of Abraham to Himself. And looking back, I am grateful that God did not follow my plan – His way was far better.
Written by Jeff, Life in Messiah Staff Member
Have you ever been frustrated by a change of plans, only to discover later that God had a better purpose in mind?
Although it may be hard to admit, are there people you secretly believe are beyond God's reach? Why?
What person in your life might God be asking you to see through His eyes rather than your own assumptions?
Endnotes:
[1] Jonah 1:17–2:10 (the great fish); Numbers 22:21–35 (Balaam's donkey); 1 Kings 17:2–6 (the ravens feeding Elijah); Isaiah 44:28; Ezra 1:1–4; Daniel 4:34–37 (pagan kings used by God); Joshua 2:1–24; Matthew 1:5 (Rahab the prostitute); Joshua 6:22–25 (Rahab preserved); Luke 7:1–10; Acts 10:1–48 (the Roman centurion); Luke 1:26–38 (Mary, the young virgin).