"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29: 11- 13
I like to plan. I used to think it made me organized. However, now I understand that it makes me feel in control. Hm...
Funny thing about my plans: they often get "messed up". Of course by "messed up" what I really mean is that my plans don't always jive with God's plan. That's when things get "messed up".
I used to get very upset by a change in my plans. I would resist with all my strength and move on in my own direction determined that it was the right way, only to come up against wall after wall of resistance. Sometimes the Lord would allow it. He allowed me to have my way. Sometimes everything was fine, not great, not terrible. No harm came to me or my family. At least not that I could see right away. Other times, there was a great deal of pain and trama that took us a long time to recover from.
But here's the thing: I have never regretted "giving in" and leaning into God's plan for me and my family. I have never once regretted doing things His way instead of my way. Oh don't get me wrong, I have worried and fretted about it plenty! However, once I put my trust in the Lord and seek His will, there has always been peace, sureness and blessing.
I still make plans. A lot of them. however, over the years I am learning to listen to His voice. I recognize it more often now. Sometimes, I still get really invested in doing things my way without seeking His will. During those times, He is there. He sends friends and acquaintances to me to remind me of His will and to seek Him. He points me to His Word and reminds me of His plans for me and His love for me. Sometimes, despite all of His gentle nudging and guidance, I stubbornly try things my way and I fall flat on my face. When I seek Him and His forgiveness, He picks me up every time, loves and forgives me and shows me the way. Then I grow and mature in my love and faith in Him.
You see even when we fail (and I mean epic fail!) God loves us and uses those experiences to illuminate His love for us and His plans for us which are infinitely better than any plan we could come up with on our own.
I am so thankful for that!
In Him,
Kim
