What’s Best…
Lifetimes are spent trying to do what’s best, have what’s best, wishing for what’s best, planning for what’s best.
But if it’s doing, we’ll always fall short. If it’s having, someone will always have better. If it’s wishing, much time will be lost. If it’s planning, it’s usually exclusive to self.
These are hard things. We’re taught to achieve and strive and be prepared. But there is a master plan: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,” (Jeremiah 29:11a NIV) Daily we miss it – some by never knowing Jesus, others by claiming Jesus but walking their own way, and others consumed in worry or the pride of their own plan.
As part of a weary world of souls, how do we put away our ideas? “Many, O Lord my God are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you.” (Psalm 40: 5 NIV) Wonders are daily provided: newborn yawns, sun glistening rain drops, sickness healing, friendships growing. Wonders planned for you, for me – too often missed or considered ordinary.
“God always gives what’s best to those who leave the choice to Him.” (Author Unknown) So simple, so complex. I’m recalling the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. Too much of me is described. Give me all the good stuff now and I’ll take care of the rest, that’s the gist of the story. The young man goes off and not too long after has nothing left. Almost starving and without even a shirt, he is finally broken enough to return to the family he’s realized truly loved him. With a heart ready to change he makes his way home. What awaits him?
Condemnation? No. Wagging fingers and should have known betters? No. “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.” (Luke 15:22 NIV) Not ‘go get him an old shirt til he can get a bath’, not ‘clean yourself up and then come in’. The best robe. For Jesus takes our filth, covers our nakedness, and welcomes us regardless the plans we’ve carried out.
So I’m thinking a lot of heartache can be avoided by letting Him choose what’s best and not strive after our version. “…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11b NIV) Hope for now, and a future secure in Him.
If you stopped by because you read my devotion today over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME! So glad you are here!
parisrenae 
Leaving it to Him and stop striving – amen! Sometimes it seems so hard, doesn’t it? But I’m learning it’s simply trust. Visiting today via #chasingcommunity.
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Kristi, thank you for stopping by. Simply trust – it is so simple, but so complicated too. But, praise be to our God, even that He will enable us to do. And in that enabling of trust, we can walk victorious, having His best. Blessings on your day..
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Funny, how unqualified at “best” I am, but how often I forget that in the midst of life’s chaos. So glad the Author of best is well qualified. 🙂 Good thoughts today, Paris — and good post on the Encouragement Cafe site, too. I clicked over and read it as well. Fun that you were featured. 🙂 Thanks for sharing with #ChasingCommunity, friend. ((hug))
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