I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU
I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU
Are you a planner? I’ve always described myself as a planner. I’m typically the first one to ask, What’s the plan? And then, one day, it dawned on me, you know, the aha moment when God’s Word lights up your soul.
“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.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Don’t Go
Don’t misunderstand me; it’s not that we should no longer plan, but our plans should not be so rigid that we are not following God’s lead or calling. Let me explain: there was a time when I made a decision. I spent a lot of time in prayer before making the decision. Once I decided to move forward, I didn’t feel at peace. I wasn’t sure what it was at the time, but looking back, I realized I didn’t feel at peace with the decision. Once I made the decision, I spent more time in prayer, asking God to show me the way and to help me understand what I was feeling. During this period of prayer and reflection, God spoke to me. I unequivocally heard God speak the words, “Don’t go.”
Upon hearing these words, I couldn’t even begin to share the feelings that overcame me. I’m not sure I’d call my reaction to these words panic, but it was pretty close. I thought to myself, how could I have missed God’s calling, His direction? How did I make this wrong turn?
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8 NIV
Isn’t this just like life? We make our plans and set off on our journey, only to realize that we are not the ones in control.
The Planned Life
I recently read,
“The planned life can only be endured.” Perhaps the worst thing that could happen would be for all our petty little plans to come true. What a rigid, joyless life, without the thoughts and surprises that our Lord provides when we follow Him.” Pastor Taylor Field, Graffiti Church, Upside Down Leadership
I’m not sure about you, but I don’t want to endure life. I want to live life. I want to live the life God created me to live. I want to live the life He has purposefully planned for me.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 NIV
The Lord Establishes Our Steps
I wish I could tell you my decision turned out well. For the most part, it did. As you can see, I survived. Or, straight from the words of my grandmother, it could have been worse! My experience was a testimony to the fact that He will never leave nor forsake us. I know God was right there with me. You see, when we make the wrong decision or stray from the path He created for us, He redirects our steps.
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NIV
I would love to tell you what my plans are or the plans He has for you, but I can’t. I just don’t know. We don’t know. But if we listen and we spend time in His presence, if we study His Word and follow His Word, I do know He will show us the way.
We are Called to Love and to Share
As believers, we are called to love and share, so remember His words as you plan your future, your year, your month, or your day. If we place God first and trust in Him, He will faithfully guide us in our journey.
The Great Commandment
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
The Great Commission
“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
How is your journey? Are you walking faithfully, or has your journey taken you off the path? I’d love to hear about your faith walk!
Image Credit Reyni Ramirez
Ooh, haven’t we all done that a time or two, Robin? 🙂 One thing I love about God is that He wants us to seek Him. He doesn’t hold it against us when we get it wrong, but is pleased when we’re trying to hear Him and follow Him. Some decisions, I just want a big red light and green light. More often it seems like we get the confusing yellow light that could mean “go ahead and stop,” or “proceed with caution.” Guess it keeps us dependent on Him. 🙂 Good word today, friend. Thank you for sharing. And, Happy 30th next month! 🙂
I’m so thankful God does not hold it against me when I get it wrong, time and time again! Thank you for sharing Brenda!
So good, Robin. I love that you shared some things that we KNOW to do. We can forward doin get those things, listening carefully t9 the promptings of the Holy Spirit — which you did so beautifully. Thank you for sharing your heart!
Thank you for connecting Dianne!
“Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8 Love this verse. Let us be people who listen to the Lord and then go where he tells us to.
Hello Theresa! It is my favorite verse! Thank you for sharing!
We have to acknowledge God when we are making our plans because He knows the plans that He has made for us and then keep talking to Him when we are working on the plans so that we do not take a wrong turn. Thanks for sharing.
I so agree Mirian! His will, His way! Thank you for connecting today!