Planner
Sometimes things don’t go according to MY plan. How about you? I’m a planner – details, times, etc. I’m thinking that may be the problem (grin).
That’s called control. Well, for me, it’s sanity. But others, and this world, don’t seem to think my plan is always best. Some interesting learning lately about trusting God in the midst of plans gone awry.
Recently a winter getaway for a week started off with a trip to urgent care for my hubby and a late start on our drive. At first I fretted. As I sat in the car wondering if we should just stay home, instead of my mind trying to figure out all the what-ifs, I decided I could be content in seeing how the day unfolded. “The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130 NIV)
With a late start we headed out. About half-way there winter blue skies caught our attention. Looking up we noticed a perfect cross was formed by intersecting vapor trails and clouds. It stayed ahead of us in the sky for most of the next hour. Jesus leading the way.
I have no idea why it was important that we leave five hours later than we planned. But I do know this: God’s glory and our good are always His plan. “Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalm 23:6 NIV)
And every trial and triumph we live has purpose. Will we always see it? Will we understand? Not often. Life is lived in Christ by faith, not by sight.
From the vantage point of still getting to take a road trip, faith is easier. But the point in so many of life’s ups and downs is preparation. For there will be times when we can’t see any glory or good. Times that leave us wishing for the comfort of yesterday’s innocence.
It’s in those times all the ‘befores’ that have tried us, remind us that God never leaves us. A Bible full of life’s good days and bad years reminds us of His care in all things at all times. We’re each an unfolding story of God’s grace, mercy, and glory. We don’t write the story – the beginning is His breath of life, the in-between is His plan and purpose, and the end is really just the beginning for every Jesus follower.
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2Corinthians 9:8 BSB)
parisrenae 
“We’re each an unfolding story of God’s grace, mercy, and glory. We don’t write the story – the beginning is His breath of life, the in-between is His plan and purpose, and the end is really just the beginning for every Jesus follower.” This is a power packed sentence. So true. Peace only comes when we relinquish the pen and allow Him to write.
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Oooh, I love that, ‘peace only comes when we relinquish the pen and allow Him to write’ – true of all our lives and especially those of us who write 🙂 Blessings as you fulfill His purpose and He writes your story!
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You’re coming along nicely with that control issue. May we all just continue to reread this weeks message from you and reread this message and reread this message. Love you much.
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Oh so hard – just when I think I’ve got it down, well – you know – stuff happens…and there I go again “helping”. Oh Jesus help us let you take the reigns PLEASE.
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It isn’t easy when our plans are changed or delayed. But ….. if we but relinquish holding those plans so tightly, we discover God alone knows why. There are times He spares us from harm, or knows the better solution or answer. I am learning to hold my plans a little looser so He has room to work in my life. Thank you for reminding me that I am not the one to write my story – He is. And He knows how best to unfold it. Blessings!
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Oh yes, so true, let’s give Him room to fulfill His purpose for us 🙂 As the Father writes your story may you see His perfect plan unfold in amazing ways…
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Amen, love this Paris. Blessings.
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So glad it ministered to you – praying that as you let His plans unfold you will be blessed as you see God’s purpose and plan for you is perfect!
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“We’re each an unfolding story of God’s grace, mercy, and glory. We don’t write the story” Love this and needed that reminder today, Thanks.
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Don’t you love when the One who knows what plans are best, gives you just what you need for that moment. Blessings as you live in His purpose and plan…
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We will never know all the answers, but our job is to follow Him. Love the sandman on the post. At first I thought it was a snowman.
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So true, and probably best we don’t. He can see from before beginning to long into eternity. May He be our enough for each step…
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I am a planner too. But I now can allow for interruptions without too much complaining. I love what you saw in the winter blue sky. Thank you for sharing with Grace & Truth Link-Up.
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Must be a ‘Planner’ club we can join 🙂 Blessings as you hold those plans a little looser and know He has the best plans…
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