I have grown up in a world that teaches we should plan for everything and I’m ok with planning. Matter of fact it is a good thing to plan for your retirement to some degree as well as some other areas of life.
But…
As I read the Bible, not everything was planned that happened and as I look back on my life, I see that many of the things that have happened (some of the greatest things in my life) were not planned at all. At least not by me.
Psalm 37:23
GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)
23 A person’s steps are directed by the Lord,
and the Lord delights in his way.
Proverbs 19:21
New Living Translation (NLT)
21 You can make many plans,
but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.
Henry Blackaby says that we should look to see where God is already working and get on board with it or with Him.
I think of the greatest things that God did in the bible.
Joseph never had plans to be kidnapped and sold into slavery by his brothers.
Moses never had plans to lead his people out of slavery in Egypt.
Abraham never made plans to become father of a nation of people.
David never had plans to be King of Israel.
Paul never made plans to preach the gospel of Christ, matter of fact he had plans to stamp out Christianity.
Most of Jesus Disciples had plans that Jesus interrupted when he said to them, “follow me.”
This brings me to me.
I never had plans to be the CEO of a Christian Children’s Home.
I never made plans to go to college, matter of fact I had planned never to go.
I had a plan to adopt a kid between the ages of 3 and 6 and God gave me a 16-year-old. (Money couldn’t buy that now 27-year-old) (Priceless are the 2 grandchildren that now live because of God’s unplanned adoption)
I never made plans to go to Seminary and earn a Master’s Degree, my plan was a Master’s in Counseling.
I had plans never to marry again after a failed marriage 20 years prior. (I got Misty and two more awesome children in this unplanned deal) (Samuel was planned and that is another story)
I never had a plan to be on staff of First UMC Hillsville
I never had plans to help plant and start a 2nd site for First UMC Hillsville but it happened.
What does all this mean?
I think it is this, God created us, God knows us better than we know ourselves, God knows what is best for us and what will ultimately make us into what he wants us to be.
I think it means this, be diligent to plan as much as is needed.
But…when God opens the door of opportunity that you have dreamed about, maybe never thought of, couldn’t even imagine, seems crazy to you and insane to everyone around.
Walk through that door and watch God work.
Ronnie
The names below were typed by some awesome kids that I now am blessed with, Wow.
christopher collins victoria collins
samuel collins samuel is 5