How Over-Relying on Logic Can Lead You Off the Pathway

When we face a trial or an adverse situation in life, we often try to figure it out, fix it, or logically argue our way through it.

When we rely too much on our logic and reasoning, we leave ourselves vulnerable to the outcome of that reasoning instead of preparing ourselves for God’s intervention. God is in control. I don’t care how things appear to you right now. I don’t care what authority your boss has over you right now. I don’t care what your addiction, your mate, or your messy situation is telling you to do. None of those people or circumstances are in ultimate control.

Yes, they may look as though they are. After all, during the exodus, Pharaoh had every appearance of control over the Israelites as his army chased them across the wilderness and backed them up against an enormous body of water (see Ex. 14:5-31). But what we see is never all there is to be seen. Sovereignty can reshape water and set souls free. Providence can pave a way where there seems to be no way at all. God is in control.

Consider the example Paul gave the Corinthians:

“Since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men,” (1 Corinthians 1:21-25).

We look back at the cross with the benefit of time, but for the first-century audience, the cross didn’t make sense. For the Jews, being crucified meant being cursed and forsaken by God. To them, Jesus’ death was a sign that He wasn’t who He claimed to be. To the Greeks, crucifixion was a mark of shame. It would have been unbelievable to them. Worshiping a crucified criminal would have been nonsense.

However, the cross is foolish only from a human perspective. Despite its folly, the cross demonstrated the wisdom and power of God. As Peter pointed out, Jesus was “delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God” (Acts 2:23). In other words, what might seem illogical to the world was the perfect plan of God. The Father allowed human evil against His Son to fulfill His purpose.

God has a myriad of reasons for what He does and for what He allows:

“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).

God’s vantage point is so far above our own that when we seek to interject our logic or rationale into the equation, it’s like trying to put together a puzzle with only a fraction of the pieces. Logically figuring out God’s ways will never happen, simply because we don’t have all the information.

Sometimes God delays us on our pathway because He’s seeking to develop our character or our passion for something He wants us to do. Sometimes He delays because He’s seeking to develop a quality within someone else with whom we’ll come in contact later. Or at times He’s ordering events so that their timing intersects with the plan He wants to carry out. Always keep in mind that He’s the great, unfiguroutable God. He doesn’t always disclose His purposes until we’re much further along our pathway.

Read the following verses:

“We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us,” (Romans 5:3-5).

“The testing of your faith produces endurance,” (James 1:3).

Whenever God sovereignly allows something that’s unpleasant, always remember that it’s also not random. He allowed it for a reason. God always has a reason for what He does and for what He allows. The Book of Lamentations tells us:

“For if He causes grief, then He will have compassion according to His abundant lovingkindness,” (Lamentations 3:32, NASB).

It’s difficult to trust God if you don’t believe He’s sovereign. When things happen in your life that are painful or confusing and you don’t fully grasp God’s sovereignty, it’s easy to lose trust in God’s control and goodness. But once you grab and hold on to the truth that He’s the ruler, controller, sustainer, and authority over all, the seemingly disconnected happenings of life are woven together into a tapestry of His perfect timing. The meanderings that seem to take you from place to place on the pathway of your days now lead somewhere. And although you may not see the destination or be instantly relieved of the difficulties, your trust in God’s providential care and sovereign rule will give you the ability to rest rather than fret, be still rather than be anxious, and praise rather than complain.

When you understand the sovereignty of God even though you don’t understand what He’s doing, you’ll learn how to see God in a way you’ve never seen Him before. You’ll find joy in His providence. You’ll discover the power of His presence and the purpose of His plans.

This content was excerpted from Dr. Tony Evan’s Pathways Bible study. Learn more about the study.

Pathways by Tony Evans

The story of Esther appears to be a series of coincidences that deliver the Jews from certain death. However, God selected Esther for a particular purpose at a particular time in the history of His chosen people.

Pathways will help you discover the power of God’s providence in the midst of your personal pain, fear, gain, loss, and love. You’ll see that God has a purpose for your life, and He uses every action and event that occurs in it to make that purpose a reality.