God’s Plans
11 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.
I know we have read and perhaps reread that “man plans his ways, but God directs our step,” Proverbs 16:9.
We have also read that God has created us for a purpose, and has a plan for our lives. That we have a purpose in our story.
The problem with the last sentence is that when we believe we have purpose in our own story, we usually make ourselves the hero. As Christians that’s not our role. As practical as that sounds, it’s contrary to what God has planned. He already has a hero, and it’s not me. It’s Jesus.
If Jesus isn’t the hero in my own story, then I will get to be. All the attention and focus becomes about what I bring to the table, and of course how God is glorified through my efforts.
However, when Jesus washed His disciples feet, He was demonstrating not only humility but also an expected attitude for those who chose to follow Him.
We join God’s story, we don’t ask God to join our story.
When we plan our ways, it’s usually with the intent to do right, but sometimes it’s a way to control the situation. God then steps in and redirects His children’s intent. We end up being grateful, because don’t we really want God to be the One we worship and adore? Not ourselves.
He’s such a good Father.
Total surrender to God allows us the privilege to be woven into a tapestry that has eternal purpose. It becomes an honor to serve King Jesus.
Let, “Not my way, Yours be done,” become our morning song.
Father,
Your plans, ways and intentions are two fold. To glorify Your name and to draw all nations to You. You have offered us forgiveness for being prideful and self-righteous. Thinking and believing our way is better than Yours. That our story is grander if we are the hero of it.
Thank You that You have redirected my steps time and time again. Thank You that You have allowed me to have a part in an everlasting story.
Help me to continue to surrender to You daily. Your will be done.
Amen.
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