Fun Days!
Has God ever changed your plans? There are a few things the recent winter weather has brought up, observations that God is using to increase my dependence on Him. First of all, I’m not a fan of cold weather, so it is a spiritual discipline for me to thank God for the weather that He has provided. But it is a fruitful exercise in that it reminds me that 1) I’m not in charge, God is, and 2) I can glorify God and rest in Him even when I’m uncomfortable. But (my flesh says) just don’t make it too uncomfortable…I have plans.
God changes “our” plans all the time. Abraham hadn’t planned to follow God to an unknown location, Mary hadn’t planned on Gabriel’s visit, and Joseph hadn’t planned on his betrothed being pregnant when they married. Paul hadn’t planned on imprisonment, nor for Demas to abandon him. I hadn’t planned on cancelling two consecutive worship services because of the weather (see, cold is bad…). Many of us didn’t plan to lose a spouse or experience the breakup of a long-time relationship. Others didn’t plan on a call from the doctor’s office with a scary diagnosis, or a trip in an ambulance. Still others didn’t plan on losing a job or an investment going south. Or for God to send us on a mission trip, or call us vocationally to a mission field. So, what do we do when God changes our plans?
Years ago a friend sat me down and explained the difference between planning and preparation. For the Christian, preparation is paramount. Our plans will change, but when our hearts are prepared, we can navigate any change with confidence and peace.
So, what does the preparation of our heart entail? It seems overly simplistic to say, but it starts with trusting God (trust the Lord with all your heart). Affirming that He is in control, He is always right, and I can rest in Him. Concurrently, I surrender my need for control (do not lean on your own understanding) and continually seek His wisdom and leading (in all your ways acknowledge Him). He then informs the plans I make – but they are His plans now (He will direct your path), and He can change them as He sees fit.
While it sounds formulaic and simplistic, this passage in Proverbs speaks with an encouraging clarity. . . so why do we struggle when we are surprised, hurt, or redirected? It’s mostly because of our own pride. We are convinced we know better, that we have a better way, or even that we “deserve” better. We don’t. (Be not wise in your own eyes but fear the Lord and turn away from evil). Scripture calls this kind of pride “evil.”
What happens when we decide to lean into the changes God brings into our lives? When we trust Him, rest in Him, let go of the desires He is taking away (changed plans), and turn to Him with open arms, minds, and hearts? Well, just keep reading Proverbs 3…”It will be healing to your flesh and refreshmentto your bones.” Or in other words, Fun Days! So, what do you need to let go of today? What do you need to trust God with today? Good news, God is good, and trustworthy, faithful and present. Just talk to Him! He is good indeed!
Praying JOY for you,
Marty