There have been many times my life did not track the way I thought it would according to my list of plans, dreams, and goals. (I am guessing I am not alone in this!) Instead we find that following God is not a straight line between Point A and Point B. Some of us are still between A and B, trying to find our way.
Experience has taught me this valuable truth:
Yet, when I watched my life take twists and turns that did not seem to add up to any expectation of what I perceived to be God’s plan for my life, I wrestled with how to deal with the perplexing turns my life was taking.
I know God is in the business of changing, molding, shaping, and testing us. There will be unexpected twists and turns in the events of our lives that will make us wonder what God is doing, and the answer won’t seem clear at all. That is part of the test to see if we are serious about the work He has called us to do. It is also part of the test to see if we are willing to be changed, molded, and prepared for what He has planned for us in His perfect timing, perfect way, and in His perfect will.
I don’t know if the perplexing part of my journey was God changing me, preparing me, testing me, or the enemy assaulting me, or if it was all of those. If God was changing me, I am definitely a different person now. If He was testing me, I want to pass the test. If He was preparing me, I am thankful for the work He is doing in me. If the enemy was attacking me, he failed.
God is building something out of our lives, and the beginning product does not look like the finished product.
Not us.
While God knows exactly what He is doing, we often find ourselves frustrated with uncertainty for what He hasn’t yet revealed. He asks us to wait and trust and keep doing what we know to do as we continue to follow Him along this path we call our lives.
There will be disappointments we must endure as we know in our finite hearts that we cannot see the big picture that God sees.
When we keep our eyes on Him and strive to move forward in our faith and on our journey, we will see unfolding events that slowly reveal the plans He has for us. Ultimately, God’s will is being accomplished in our lives, and that is the best track of all.
A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Shared by Kathy Cheek
Michele Morin says
August 7, 2017 at 5:32 amKathy, you have beautifully framed my continual challenge in living this following life. When plans go off the rails, it’s a challenge for me to stay focused on God’s sovereignty (this unforeseen event has not taken Him by surprise) and His goodness (whatever happens is meant to conform me to His image). Thanks for sharing your journey for the benefit of others!
Joanne Viola (@JViola79) says
August 7, 2017 at 6:26 amKathy, you have presented the challenge ever before us – to trust God’s plan over our own. Even when we are disappointed or frustrated, we must trust His ways and His goodness towards us. This morning I am praying for my life to stay on track – His track!
Becky Hastings says
August 7, 2017 at 7:03 amGod’s plans for us are always best, even when it’s hard for us to see that. The amazing thing is that when I go off course, He is gracious to bring me back or to reroute the course. So thankful for His grace!
Lori Schumaker of Seaching for Moments says
August 7, 2017 at 8:38 amBeautifully written! Once upon a time I thought I was in control of how my life turned out. And on the flip side, I was always to blame if my life didn’t go according to plan. Thankfully, God broke through and today I understand (although of course a work in progress! lol!) the delicate balance of trusting God as He molds us along the journey only He controls, yet giving my best in excellence because I know I am doing it for Him.
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Alice Walters says
August 7, 2017 at 9:13 amAm I the only one to thow a “hissy fit” when my flesh gets frustrated (although not near as often as it used to be)? I picture our benevolent God sitting back and waiting for me to run out of steam and myself, like a parent waiting out her child’s tandrum. There were a couple of times, honestly, I thought I heard God ask, ” Are you done yet? Until you are, we can’t get back to work.” Praise God, He doesn’t give up on us (with our tunnel vision) when we are tempted to give up on Him.
Kathy Cheek, Devotions from the Heart says
August 7, 2017 at 10:53 amHi Ladies, I love your comments so much, you bring more depth and light to this subject than I could on my own, thank you!
I wrote a little bit more about this as my lead to this post if you want to read it on my site, the link is below:
http://www.kathycheek.com/2017/08/staring-down-my-faith.html
Donna Reidland says
August 7, 2017 at 12:02 pmKathy, thanks for hosting and encouraging us all to keep on dreaming about whatever God has placed in our hearts.
Stacey Thureen says
August 8, 2017 at 10:55 amKathy, this is beautiful. I love how you said: When we keep our eyes on Him and strive to move forward in our faith and on our journey, we will see unfolding events that slowly reveal the plans He has for us.
mareedee2016 says
August 9, 2017 at 12:47 amYes, so true God plan is good and what we ultimately desire but we get restless with his time table. I have to always remind myself to trust him for his way is perfect.
Vicki Cottingham says
August 9, 2017 at 2:53 amThank you for the encouragement to keep going on the path God has set and to keep trusting him. The verse from Proverbs is one of my favourites.