Sometimes I just wish that I could see the road map that God has laid out for my life. The bumps in the road and the unexpected things that come along that change the course and direction of my life are sometimes unnerving. It seems like every time I think I am headed in the right direction something happens to slow me down or change my course. A comment someone made a few years ago has stuck with me, she said, “If God showed us his entire plan for our lives at one time we could not handle the plan.” I think she was right, but I can not help but think it would be nice to know how this is going to play out.
Reflecting on this thought several situations come to mind where people questioned their current situation only to later learn the full plan that God had for their lives.
- Joseph went from being a favored son to a slave. He later saved his entire family because of the position that God raised him to over time.
- Moses when from being a prince to being a shepherd. Moses eventually ended up leading the people of Israel out of a live of slavery and into the land that had been promised to them.
- Daniel went from trusted advisor, to being thrown into the lion’s den. Daniel lived through this situation which then caused the King to issue a decree that the people should worship God. Had this not happened to Daniel it is very likely that the king would never have come to believe in the power of God.
I don’t think that any of these people wanted to be in the situation that they found themselves in. However, God placed them in those situations so that they could fulfill a greater purpose. Often I find myself in situations facing things I don’t really want to face and I need to just remember that God is in control and he has a purpose for everything that happens in my life. Sometimes we have to go through difficult times in life in order to fulfil the greater plans that God has for us.
Verses to consider
- “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
- For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose (Philippians 2:13)
- In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
- Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21)
- Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. (Psalms 37:3-7).
Tags: God's Plan, Life Map