Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD (08/03/17)
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TITLE: Your Disappointment, God's Appointment | Previous Challenge Entry
By Nicki Jeffery
08/10/17 -
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I do this often.
Not long ago, I applied for a job. I had to wait three months for an interview, and an extra week for the result. In those three months, I had my family moving house, my son changing schools and us attending a new church … in my imagination. I invested a lot of time on those thoughts.
The job I applied for was in a town half an hour down the road. I scoured our weekly property magazine. I spoke to my husband about building a house on acreage.
Tied up with the job opportunity was a change of life, not only for me, but for my husband and our sons. And I had it worked out.
The job was given to someone else.
Proverbs 27:1 says, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”
I sobbed when the phone call ended. I did not know what the day would bring. It did not bring the news I had expected and longed for. I was back to the drawing board.
It has been a pattern in my life to run ahead of God. I once spent months emailing schools in the United States of America hoping to line up work when I left Australia. After trying, I discovered the process of teaching internationally was going to take more effort and cost more money than I cared to expend. I let go of that dream.
The time you and I spend trying to sort things out for ourselves is time we cannot recover. Time that might be better spent caring for our loved ones, serving the community or recharging our own batteries.
I have found these scriptures helpful regarding making plans:
Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Proverbs 16:33 says, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”
Your disappointment might be God’s appointment. He goes ahead of you. He knows what the future holds. God is interested in your character development as He raises up His army.
Romans 5:3,4 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
When something does not turn out the way I want it to, I tend to want to rush back to the drawing board and draft my next plan. But what if I waited? What if I sat on the Master’s lap as He held the pencil? What if I, a princess daughter, enjoyed the embrace of my heavenly father and watched Him form ideas?
The pencil is in His hand. The drawing board belongs to Him. And I can trust His plans for me.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “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.”
In this season I pray. I wait. I trust.
I walk to the beach, a smatter of clouds across the blue sky. Waves form and crash in flurries of white bubbles. Crabs make holes and tiny balls of sand around my feet. The salty tang of the air fills my nostrils.
I look skyward. I raise my hands.
“My life is in your hands.” I declare. “I’m sorry for running ahead of you in the wrong direction. Please forgive me, Lord. I commit to You everything I am doing. Thank you for establishing my plans. I love You and I want to serve You, now and always. Amen.”
As I turn and walk along the compacted sand, water splashes over my feet. I feel the warmth of the sun. I see the footprints of others who have gone before me. And I smile.
We only have today. Let’s take the Saviour’s hand and walk with Him. We may have but a few steps, or there may be many kilometres to go. He can turn your disappointment into His appointment. And it will be good, bringing Him glory.
All Bible verses are taken from the NIV (New International Version).
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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I have made proverbs 3:4-5 my scripture to keep me trusting Him.
Thanks for reminding us to seek Him first.
...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31, NIV) (-:
Well done,
Blessings~
I liked it. I do, in my own way, need the thought contained in your work.
Keep up the good thoughts and writing.
creative way you have written
it. Congratulations on
well deserved lst place.
Linda Simpson
Well Written entry.
Waiting for the plan God has in our lives