When life isn't living up to your expectations, it is easy to get discouraged. I have many goals for my life and plans specifically for college. Then life happens. Some goals are in progress and others seem impossible. These three devotions focus on God's good plan for life and offer hope for difficult times.
God’s Good Plan
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28
God planned out my life. He knew what would happen in my past, what is currently happening in my present, and what will happen in my future. God is not surprised by anything in my life because he planned it all.
Everything is working for my good. All the pain and problems. Every trial and tear. It is all part of God’s good plan for my life. Everything happens for a good reason. There is a purpose for the pain even when I cannot see it.
God wants what is best for me. He knows what is best! He created a good plan and purpose for my life.
Therefore I can say:
Not my will, but God’s will be done.
Not my plan, but God’s plan be done.
He’s in Control
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The Lord works out everything to its proper end.” -Proverbs 16:3-4
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” -Proverbs 16:9
“Every decision is from the Lord.” -Proverbs 16:33
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” -Proverbs 19:21
“A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How can anyone understand their own way?” -Proverbs 20:24
“You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” -John 13:7
God is in control, not me.
This is only frightening when I want control over my life. I can plan all I want, but God’s will always prevails over mine. Do I really want to be in control?
If God left me in control over my life, I would miss out on many unimaginable blessings. Like those divine, unexpected appointments when I can improve someone’s day, help those in need, or share the Gospel. I certainly wouldn’t have planned those little, yet impactful moments. But God did. And he has many more of those little things planned.
God has better things in store for my life. It is good he is in control. Why try to limit God?
The Best Plan
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,”
- Ephesians 3:20
God’s plan is better than anything I can imagine. My plan will always be a shadow of the good things God has in store for my life.
God knows what is best for my life. His ways and thoughts are not my ways or thoughts. God knows so much more than my limited knowledge. He knows what is good for me. What I want is not always what I need or what is best for me. God knows best!
I can make a plan that seems good, but God’s plan is always better. He has the knowledge to make the best plan for my life.
I need to let go of my ideas of how life should look and let God be God. He has the best plan!
The key to persevering through difficult times is to trust in God. Specificity, we must trust in God's good plan. Everything will work out for our good!
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