Christian Living

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"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "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}

I'm what you would call a "planner". There is a time and a place for everything, and I have it all figured out! If I don't formulate a plan prior to, well, just about everything, I become overwhelmed...which leads to a meltdown. I guess it's all a part of that control thing with which I'm dealing.

Everyday last week I came up with a plan of action to make the most out of the day. But it seemed as soon as I stepped out of bed, things started going off course. By the end of the day, not one of the tasks or responsibilities covered in my comprehensive agenda was completed - the ENTIRE WEEK!

I started to become so frustrated with God. Why was He allowing all these obstacles to keep me from completing my work? But then the Holy Spirit nudged my heart and reminded me that God allows everything to happen for a reason. He knew I had a plan, but so did He!

Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." {John 13:7}

During some tear-filled quiet time with the Lord, I realized the only two tasks God had planned for me this week were:
1. Re-evaluate MOTIVES
2. Learn to SUBMIT.

All I could see were the empty boxes on my checklist. As I dragged my feet in reluctance to comply, how many opportunities did I miss to serve my God by serving someone else outside my normal routine? As I attempted to bypass God's blueprint and fulfill my own purpose, how many chances were lost to share my Jesus and His love? ....Isn't that what being a Christ-follower is all about?

So I questioned my anguish over my defective plans. Was I upset because I was failing to continue effectively serving God, my family and my church as if the execution of His plan depends on me? This God is the One who gives life, breath, and everything else to people. He does not need any help from them; he has everything he needs. {Acts 17:25 NCV} Or was I angry that I wasn't maintaining MY IMAGE of wife, mother, servant and writer? Why do I do what I do - do I feel I have to or do I just want to please God? Because pleasing God comes from humility. And humility comes from FULL surrender....including our plans for the day and our plans for our lives.

As much as it pains me to admit.....I'm not in control of anything (AND neither are you!). I'm certainly not saying planning is a bad thing - IF we remember God can and will change our circumstances to impose His own agenda without notice. When that happens....GO WITH IT! That is a "STOP - LOOK - LISTEN" moment. When the Lord throws challenges in our paths, He may be trying to get our attention to redirect us, teach us or even protect us. Whatever the case, it's in our best interest to comply....He ALWAYS gets His way!!

When the Lord All-Powerful makes a plan, no one can stop it. {Isaiah 14:27}

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