“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
We live in a culture that rewards individual decisions, actions, and achievements. We set goals for ourselves and our children. We celebrate milestones and personal achievements. Many of our wishes, goals, and dreams have happened as we planned. But then, the unexpected happens when we are working toward these goals.
At these times, we realize the futility of trying to control our lives. Believing we are in control is an illusion. We think we control our lives, and we decide the paths we take. We do not. Some of our goals may align with what God intended for us, but suddenly, there is a curve in the road or even a cliff on the route that we cannot see. This abrupt change of our plans makes us realize that God had something different in mind.
At first, the change can be a shock. We have trouble adjusting. We pray. We read Scripture, and yet, we struggle with this “new normal.”
It is hard to accept that this change is what God has in store for us. During this time of abrupt change, we turn to Scripture to find out how God’s plans are better than our own. Imagine Joseph’s first thoughts when his brothers threw him in a cistern and then sold him to foreigners. Joseph had been his father’s favorite. His father was pleased with Joseph’s work and openly expressed his favor. His older brothers became jealous. Surely, Joseph could not have imagined being betrayed by his own family members. But, in the bottom of the cistern, and later under the rule of foreigners, Joseph surrendered his own will to God. Surrendering his will meant that he accepted his circumstances and trusted that God had a plan. He remained faithful. His brothers’ actions resulted in Joseph being placed under the Pharaoh of Egypt. In this capacity, as a high-ranking official, he saved his entire family from starvation. God knew the plan. God knew the trouble ahead. God’s plan was to place Joseph in this role. He knew this was the best way to save Joseph and his family.
We can’t see our future. God’s plan may not be what we had in mind, but God knows what we need. Our job is to surrender our will, accept our circumstances, and trust God’s plans.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
All books available on Amazon.
Comments