Devotional: His Plans > my plans

The following is a devotional I wrote for our staff devotions at Pella Christian Grade School for the morning of Sept. 12, 2016.

His Plans > my plans

I am not in control. This has been a phrase that has made itself clearly evident to me through various events and conversations with people over the past several months. It is also still one I need to continue to remind myself of often. Most recently, I was reminded of it over the weekend how little control I have. I am definitely not in control of if or when a torrential downpour comes the night of the school's fall event.

We want to plan ahead, be aware of upcoming schedules, and organize for future events. This gives us security and comfort that we are not going to be thrown any curveballs or given any unforeseen additional tasks. We put reminders on our Reminders app, we schedule events on our Calendar app, we write things in our daily planner, and we jot down future plans on our fridge calendar. We plan for what we see and what we believe we will be seeing. However, our human eyes and minds are not able to see the whole picture. Proverbs 19:21 shows us that “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Plans can be made, but it is ultimately God’s plan that will come through.

This summer I had the opportunity to be accepted to and attend a weeklong Christian school leadership training conference in Canada where we were assigned to read a portion of Spiritual Leadership by Henry Blackaby. Included in this reading is the following excerpt that Blackaby used to describe how Jesus carried out his work:

Jesus was never required to develop ministry goals or action plans. He was sent to follow the Father’s plan. . . Jesus came to fulfill his Father’s plans of salvation. He spent each day looking to see what the Father would reveal about his will. When he observed the Father at work, Jesus adjusted his life to join him. . .  Had Jesus entered [Jericho] planning to have lunch with [Zacchaeus] the most notorious sinner of the region? No. He had simply watched for the first sign of the Father’s activity. Once he was where the Father was working, Jesus immediately knew the agenda for his ministry. . . even in the most difficult assignments, including the cross, Jesus accepted his Father’s will unwaveringly. Jesus left his future, as well as his Second Coming, for the Father to determine. [Jesus said in Matt. 24:36: No one knows about that day or hours, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.] Jesus characterized his entire ministry with these words: “By myself I can do nothing.” John 5:30

As uncertain and frustrating as it may be at times, I am glad I am not in control. A Bible verse that is the most reassuring verse for me, and although not an easy one to swallow in the moment, is also from Proverbs, in chapter 3:5-6. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

I am not saying goals and planning have no worth. God has given us phenomenal minds to create and execute plans, and he works through us in making goals for the future. However, there are times where plans do change. Whether planning for a vacation, relocating to a new area, communicating weekly school events, or making a School Improvement Plan, it is important to keep our eyes open for, as Mr. T started off the year with, “the next right step.” These steps will only become more clear to us when we are able to walk with our Father so closely that when he reveals something to us, we willingly change our own personal agenda to what he wants for our lives.

Prayer:

Lord, thank your for who you made each of us to be. You gave us each different gifts and abilities in order to carry out your work in your kingdom. You have placed all of us here for reasons only you know. Help us each to walk more closely with you in order to further understand what your plans are not only for this day, but in coming days, months, and years. Forgive us when we think our plans are better than yours or when we do not look to you when seeking guidance. Thank you for providing an example of the best follower there ever was, your Son.