"For I know the plans I have for you"-The Lord.
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| God has a path unlike any other planned for you. Photo from http://pinterest.com/pin/155233518376338447/ |
As I walked down the airport terminal,
my heels clicking on the floor, I bit my lip and adjusted my
backpack. My stomach was clinched with nervousness and fear. I had
just graduated from college, and landed a job with my local paper. I
had no idea what was ahead; I just knew what I had finished.
Everything was beginning for me.
My peers had graduated about two years
younger than me. Some had landed jobs with big companies, some had
married their college sweethearts, and some had been accepted as
graduate assistants which meant that they could work at the college
for their education. But I had been denied all three things. My plans
were in disarray.
“God, what do you have for me?” I
questioned him. “Why did you tell me no? But—I will trust you. I
choose to trust you.”
Now, six months later, I'm beginning
to understand. The plans that God has for me are beginning to take
form. I have been cared for and blessed even though much of my future
is still unplanned.
As I was reading Ruth and Hosea a few
months ago, I was struck with a thought. The two books are completely
opposite of each other—the first ends with a happy ending and the
other ends with loss. But both books are a picture of Christ.
I think our lives as Christians are
much like Ruth and Hosea. God never called us to a cookie cutter
life. He never said, “Follow me and you will fulfill your plans.”
He said, “I know the plans that I have for you”. God is not
interested in our schedule or timetable. God has his own agenda.
I'm learning to follow the master's
footsteps for my life. When I ask him, “Father, why are you leading
me unlike anyone else? Why can't I have security like other girls?”
He says, “I know the plans I have for you. Trust in me with all
your heart.” I suck in my breath, ignore my fears, and reach for
His hand.
As I walk beside Him, I realize that
he has chosen the best place for me to work, live, and be. I would
never have had the people in my life that I have now if I had chosen
not to follow Him. He knew exactly what he was doing. If you are a follower of Christ, then why are your trying to lead?
How about you? Are you frustrated that your plans are not working out? Are you frustrated with the path that you must follow? If you are a follower of Christ, then why are your trying to lead? If you are a follower, then follow. God has a plan and a purpose that is customized for your life. He will not force your life to fit the typical mold.Your life is not yours to plan. You have given it to the Savior, the master. And the purpose of our lives is not to glorify or lift ourselves up, it is to glorify God. And when we let Him mold our lives into the best picture of him, then we glorify him.
Ruth let God use her life to paint a
picture of redemption. She was desolate and forsaken, but she was
found and loved by a good man. Her life was a metaphor of Christ's
love to the sinner lost and desolate.
Hosea was a picture of the Christian
that runs from God. His wife cheated on him, but he had to forgive
her so that Christ could be glorified. He experienced the dregs of
sorrow and betrayal, but Christ was glorified in his life. His life
showed the picture of Christ's constant love to the sinner even
though they turn their back on him.
How about you? Are we willing to let
the picture or truth that God wants to display in our life shine
through? Or will we try to fight the plan that God has?
I'm learning. I'm not an expert. But I
do know that God has led me and he will continue to lead me. My story
will reflect the truth of God in a completely different way than your
story will. If we let Him lead us.
If He leads you to climb the
mountains, to walk in the valley of sorrow, or to enjoy the lush
green pastures, follow Him. Your life is not your own. Let Him lead
you.
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not
want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me
beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the
paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for
thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou
preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou
anointest my head with oil: my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and
mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in
the hosue of the Lord for ever.
~Psalm 23~
