What do we really know?
How many times have you heard preachers or people speak about the absolutes that “God has a plan for each of our lives?” Me a lot; and I’m sure you have too.
Why? Because the bible tells us this over and over and over and it’s true!
It is one of those promises that is much easier said than believed in hard times. In hard times the evil one does his best to tell us we misunderstood, or we are unworthy or if it was going to happen it would have already.
Why is it so much easier for us to believe the lies rather than what God put in our hearts in the first place? Why do we struggle to believe God has a purpose for us?
I wish I knew all the answers to those questions. Most days I feel I do, but let’s face it other days I just struggle.
We are humans with weak minds and weak constitutions. Left to our own thoughts and practices we tend to hear the evil one way louder than our God.
Trust me, God didn’t move or start talking in hush tones; it’s always us who moved out of his earshot or closed our ears all together with the noise of the world.
That’s why we need to mediate on his word, pray and then listen. Yes listening is an active part of worship and study. It should be part of our daily routine.
That’s the kicker. In today’s busy connected world it can be really hard to stop and just listen. My poor brain sometimes starts wandering more erratically than the children of Israel in the desert.
I feel I’m not being productive enough. By the time I’m done with my studies my minds already on my to-do list. I’ve forgotten how to listen and let God fill my heart with his dreams and His will for my life.
He tells us to come to Him as little children. Have you ever listened to a little ones stories? There are no limits to what they believe is possible.
Little Caroline once told me about her dog who lives on Mars and has his own rocket ship to come see her. He carries his own oxygen so it’s ok for him, he also has a warm fuzzy blanket so he doesn’t get cold on Mars. Cause its really cold there.
I love it. Unlimited imagination. Why do we limit God and doubt His plans for us? Why can’t we go back to the days of letting our minds listen and dream of possibilities with open ears like a child?
It hit me hard last night. I had given up on some of the dreams that God had put in my heart and soul. Why?
Many reasons. 1st Because of delays and not seeing what I wanted to see happen when I wanted it to happen.
2nd. Fear of the unknown and reality of how much money it takes to survive in today’s world.
3- Being bone tired. I let the stresses of everyday life get me down without giving it all to Him or even asking for His help. Trying to bear my own burdens all alone.
All equate to lack of faith and fear.
I had given up and decided “I’d better start taking control of my life again and do what “I felt was responsible.”
Trust me, the Lord didn’t let me get away with it and I’m so glad. He loves me enough to bring my faults and lack of faith right smack in front of me. Yes for my benefit in the long run.
Last night at church we were talking about this very subject, then this morning in my studies, every verse connected to this very subject. I may be slow, but one thing I get is redundancy and I appriacte it as God knows.
This morning my verse of the day was Proverbs 16:9- A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.
My first devotional of the day, same verse. Then as I began my daily reading through the bible (I’m now in Deuteronomy.)
I was reading how Moses angered God and was not allowed into the promise land. Did that change God’s plans? No. The children of Israel still made it to the promise land, but without Moses. God’s plan went forth and Moses missed a blessing because of disobedience.
Wow, that hit me hard, I’ve known this story as most of you do forever, but just think about it and think of your life.
It’s easy to judge, but how many times have we angered God and He forgave us. He’s a big loving, forgiving God. But how many true blessings are we missing because of our sins? I’m guessing a lot more than we realize.
Malachi knew that the Lord God is the same today, tomorrow and yesterday. Malachi 3:6
So it seems to me, I should be more careful of the things I say, the things I do and the plans that God has layed on my heart. I need to be diligent and working toward them.
Not out of fear, but out of Love for a big God, A jealous God, who planted the dreams in me.
He took care of the Israelite’s for 40 years in the desert. They never wanted for anything!
Deuteronomy 2:7- For the Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hand. He knows your trudging through this great wilderness, these forty years the Lord your God has been with you; you have lacked for nothing!
Trust me, following His way is always better than anything I or you can imagine.
So what do we really know?
We serve a loving God, He does give us big dreams, but we must also remember He calls us to obey and follow. His plans will succeed with or without us.
We are His sheep. He is the Shepard and I’m very thankful. It takes the pressure off me and you.
So how will I apply it?
I’m going to work on listening more, active listening, keeping fear of the future at bay, trusting in His divine power and guidance.
My goal is to once again live as He commanded; “One day at a time.” Broken down like this I can handle it. Any more and it starts getting complicated.
I will rebuke the evil ones lies when they first come to my ears in Jesus name.
Again I know:
He knows His plans for me and they are good. Jeremiah 29:11
He will direct my path, I must follow. Proverbs 16:9
Jesus loves me, this I know because the Bible tells me so. John 3:16
He’s with me and provides all I could ever want or need. My job…listen, obey and have faith that can move mountains.
All Praise to the Great “I am”
Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise God all you creatures here below, Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Galatians 6:9- Let us not grow weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up.