Changing plans
The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 ESV
Preparations
Oh the plans we make!
We prepare. Get everything needed and set in place for our plans to be successful, whether a vacation or a business venture. Schedules. Lists. Deadlines. Supplies.
But it’s inevitable. Something goes amiss: the weather, the traffic, the state of the world! And plans fall apart.
In the preparation process, one important step we often miss, is letting go of expectations. Cross those off the list. Be open to the unknown. Because the truth is, as finite beings, we do not know — we haven’t a clue! — what the future holds.
Here is where we learn to prepare beforehand to make allowance for God to have His way in whatever we’ve planned. Give Him room to guide our steps, recognizing His sovereignty — total control! — in all things.
When things go wrong, it’s no surprise to Him. And we must remember: He never wastes anything! A fall-apart plan may seem like a complete waste of time, energy, and resources. But He uses it for good in the lives of those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose.
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 NRSV
Accepting His Role
I’m coming to terms with God establishing the steps of life. Allowing Him room to guide each step and let go of my own expectations.
In the call He’s placed on my life…
In the lives of loved ones…
In every moment of the day…
It’s a battle to accept the steps He establishes for the plans formed in my heart. Missteps. Stumbles. Snares. Smooth sailing. Surprise detours. All of it! However it goes. Finding His grace, accepting His purpose (even if I’m not quite sure what it is… yet!).
I don’t stay in this place of a properly prepared heart often. It’s often a struggle when my plans get redirected with His steps.
But the times I do give Him room, recognize His participation in every plan I make, guiding steps and wasting nothing, I find myself in a place of true joy.
In His presence.
On the path of life.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forever more.
Psalm 16:11 ESV
Where are you these days, with planning and preparations? making any?
What expectations come with your plans?
Do you accept His sovereignty in establishing the steps of your plan?
Take some time to talk with God about the plans you make. Invite Him to guide your steps. With Him there are no missteps.
Day 3 of Jeremiah’s Menu:Revisited. Continuing my Medium journey: Creating a new devotional.
Jeremiah's Menu 