It's All In God's Plans for You!

"My mother told me that everything in life happened for a purpose. She said all things were part of God's plan, even the most disheartening setbacks, and in the end, everything worked out for the best."  - Ronald Reagan

People like to plan things. Our lives, for the most part, revolve around plans. It's no wonder when something happens, that throws our plans out of whack, confusion, frustration, worry, and even anger sets in.

Take the current pandemic for instance. Everyday we hear about plans to do this or that. If you've followed the news, it's pretty obvious that no one really knows for certain what the situation will be on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

And if that's the case, who does..? Well, if you don't know by now, I'll tell you. It's God! Everything we do is subject to His will. That's right! No matter our plans, God has the right and authority to step in whenever He desires.

The first half of Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) tells us, "In their hearts humans plan their course..." Yes, we can plan all we want, there's no harm in that. In fact, we're never told we can't.

However, if you take a look at rest of the verse, "...but the LORD establishes their steps," it becomes quite apparent who is in charge. In our own arrogance and self-importance we gloss over this crucial detail.

And for anyone who has difficulty with the thought of having to hand over control of their life to God, I have news for them. You never had it to begin with! You've just been to busy planning things to notice.

It's true! Psalm 16:1 says, "To humans belong the plans of the heart..." God has always allowed us freedom of thought, and freedom of will. He lets us create and arrange our plans whichever way we want to.

Still, we must include God in any plans we make, as in asking for His blessings and assistance. We must also trust that God's plans are best for us no matter the outcome, even if this might be hard to process.

Scripture confirms this, for example, in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," and in Proverbs 19:21, "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."

There's nothing wrong with making plans. Just understand that God wants to be included in them. Ask Him to direct your steps, seek His wisdom and guidance. Whatever God decides will always be in our best interest because He loves us.

Scripture: Psalm 20:4; Proverbs 3:5; Job 42:2; Proverbs 3:6; Isaiah 55:8

Prayer: Dear Lord, I humbly submit my plans to You, knowing full well that the last word is always Yours. I fully trust that Your decision will be made with pure love and grace for me. Amen.

Love and blessings,

Holly