God Has The Best Plan
Often I hear people say, “God is good.” And He is! But it doesn’t always feel like it. In recent years, I hear more people saying, “God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good.” And He is! Even when it doesn’t feel like it. I’m learning that in a new way these days–that God has the best plan. It’s not really a “new lesson.” But God has me back in the classroom of life, learning to trusting Him with His plans for me.
I’ve been seeking direction from the Lord regarding how I’m to spend my writing time during the month of October. The #write31days challenge (writing every day during that month) is upon us. I participated last year, and God used that time to refine me–my faith, my blogging, and other areas of my life. So I’ve been looking forward to it this year. Reconnecting and deepening relationships with other blogging friends. Writing more consistently. In fact, the Lord has given me two rich topics to write on. Detailed outlines are ready to go!
Except …
God is leading me in a different direction.
I started writing a Bible study this summer. One I would like to publish next year. But it needs to be piloted beforehand–and it’s not ready! THIS is what God is putting His finger on for my writing commitment in October.
But I want to play with my friends in their playground!
For a few months, I looked over the fence, longing and making plans to play with them in their game–knowing deep down that God called me to something else.
Then God spoke clearly to my heart.
“What sorrow awaits my rebellious children,” says the Lord. “You make plans that are contrary to mine. You make alliances not directed by my Spirit, thus piling up your sins.” (Isaiah 30:1)
Oh, my! I do not want to be one of God’s rebellious children. I do not want to make plans that are contrary to His! I want my alliances to be directed by the Holy Spirit!
I had to stop and evaluate my true motivation for participating in the #write31days challenge. What I found wasn’t pretty. Although part of my heart wanted to glorify God, another part of my heart wanted to draw attention to myself.
As a result of a recent quiet time, I put a sticky note on my computer that says,
It's about advancing God's kingdom, not mine. Share on XLord Jesus, it’s about advancing YOUR kingdom. It’s not about advancing mine.
And then God reminded me …
And [God] gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)
I want to humbly accept and enjoy the different playground God has for me. One filled with wide-open spaces, where I can thrive and bring Him glory.
Indeed, God is good. So are His ways. His plans for us are good.
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His faithful love endures forever. (Psalm 118:2)
All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant. (Psalm 25:10)
I can still participate in #write31days, it just won’t be on my blog. This is GOOD! And because I am aligning myself with Him, He has changed my heart. What felt more like being left out, now feels exciting! God has the best plan, and I am embracing it! I can trust Him with my future.
Guess what … So can you! Are you making plans that align with God’s plan for your life? Let’s celebrate God’s goodness together as we follow His ways.
We can make our plan but the Lord determines our steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
Image: Pixabay (Larisa-K )
Thank you so much for sharing your heart on this. It was exactly what I needed to hear as I discern what I should be doing with my writing time over the next few months.
Sometimes it’s hard when God steers us away from something we thought would be his plan. I love that you’re writing a Bible Study! How wonderful!
I’m so glad, Adrienne. And I KNOW that God will bless your ministry and you follow His leading!
Thanks, Valerie. It’s an exciting time! Although my efforts will be in a different area, I’m looking forward to reading and enjoying other people’s #write31days themes!
Praying over you as you continue to work on your Bible study!!
This is beautiful and so timely with where I am right now. Thank you for your heart to share that Good isn’t always God’s best. Praying your bible study comes together as He guides you.
This post goes right along with one I’ve been pre-writing (in my head!) about God’s goodness. Coming to the place of knowing, no matter what, that He is good and worthy of my trust, is my heart’s desire… and my flesh’s struggle. I enjoyed reading the prayer/thought process you described as Jesus walked you through it.
I love the direction you took with this, friend! I too have been pondering God’s goodness, as in His “good and perfect gifts” (like not letting my chandelier fall on my head, and saving me from other mishaps I know nothing of)! I’m directing this week’s Couch to knee-ers to this very thought.
I also like where you’re headed, writing towards your project each day in October! How exciting! I will miss interacting with everyone too, but my head is also in a different direction this year.
You can count on me to help promote your new book when it’s ready, CBB buddy! You’re the best!
I heart you. <3
Ohh, thank you, Lauren. I appreciate it!!
Thanks, Tammy. All prayers appreciated!
I pre-write in my head, too, Wendy!! (Probably a lot of us…lol) that’s where it comes together … knowing He is good … we can trust Him. They go hard in hand. Love you, friend!
You are such a sweet friend, Ruthie. YES to His protection from things we are completely unaware of … I can’t imagine what it mustn’t have been like when that thing came crashing down. So glad you and your family are ok!
Gods plan is always best. In our community Bible study last night we talked about how sometimes we are in the dark about how God is going to work things out. We must trust Him in the darkness, because He has something awesome coming.
My family is in the darkness right now, but we trust His amazing plan.
Praying for you today … that God shines His light and shows you exactly where to go … and that y’all will be able to trust Him. ((Hugs))
I have learned that God is good all the time because that is one of his attributes, not because I always feel it! I’m sitting 31 days out this year too.
It is always exciting to experience the blessing God has for us on the other side of obedience Dianne, Praying this time of writing is fruitful and defining for you:) Crystal!
Oh gosh, aligning myself with Him… what a theme for me all through the summer and now into fall. And He keeps putting people like yourself in my path to remind me. And that verse from Isaiah!!! Eye. Opening.
Thankful to be your neighbour today at Deb’s linkup.
I love your obedience to the Lord’s calling in your life. Your 31 Days doesn’t have to be public on a blog. Or even “now.” God may bring it back in another season or just use it to nourish you and your current ministries. Thanks for sharing your thought and prayer process with this!