How easy to believe the good plans God promises are the plans we have for ourselves that we think are good.
The growth of faith is to set our plans aside and wait for God’s plans to be revealed.
From Scotty Smith at Heavenward.
“I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not harm, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
“I know the plans I want from you, Lord” says Me. “It’s a story of minimal pain and disruption, and plenty of creature comforts, but not to the point of being grandiose. A life in which I’m surrounded by amiable, non-codependent, flexible, fun people—believers and non-believers. Then I want to go to sleep one night and wake up in heaven.” 1st Self 3:16
Lord Jesus, sometimes I just need to write out my “wish list” and compare it to your perfect plans. You are our Master, not our masseuse—our King, not our concierge. Your plans for us are good even when they’re not easy. Wherever your will takes us, your grace will sustain us. Our future is pregnant with unimaginable hope, and we are securely in your heart and hand.
And right now—by your Word, Spirit, and circumstances of your own choosing, you are making us like yourself. It’s a “plan” that involves the pain of exposure that we might grow in the wonders of your love. Though it hurts, burn away our dross, selfism, autonomy, and unbelief we carry as remainders of our sinful nature. It will take glorification to make us completely like yourself, but we sincerely want to become more and more like you before that Day.
Jesus, free me and my friends to see more and more of your beauty, in every season and circumstance of life. Grant us grace to trust your heart when we don’t understand your hand. Our greatest peace is grounded in your acceptance of us, and your astonishing love and great delight in us. Humble and gentle us. So Very Amen.
mgpcpastor's blog 