I want to start a business, get scholarships, and make good grades. And I've been trying to do all this by myself. I've read books, blog posts, and asked people questions. But I haven't asked God to take the wheel. Sure, I've prayed. But it's been more along the lines of asking God to make things go the way I want rather than following His plan and reaping great rewards.
About two and a half years ago, we found out that a baby that we had been taking care of since she was born would be going to live somewhere else. It was heart-breaking. I didn't understand what God could possibly be thinking. We loved her so much and took such good care of her. Why would He take her from us?
A month or so later we got a phone call. It was the grandparents of the baby girl asking if we wanted to come see her. Now we see her all the time. As I write, she's napping about five feet from me. I didn't see God's providence in letting her be taken at the time. I still don't see all the reasons, but that lesson in faith is one I'll never forget. God's been reminding me of it as I push past Him and try to make my own plans. I can't ignore it any more.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11
God has proven Himself faithful to me personally before and He will do it again. I just need to have faith and believe that He will take care of my high school years. God's got complete control of my life and He knows what He's doing and can see all of the long-term consequences when I can't.
-Kira
P.S. For anyone interested, I would recommend the book The Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther. I read it for school last semester and it really opened my eyes to God's providence in everything that ever happens.
like your thoughts Kira! Thanks for sharing. I've also been thinking and praying about Gods will and plan for the future and it is comforting being able to rest in His providence. I love Proverbs 16:9 because it says it beautifully: "although a mans heart plans his way, the Lord directs his steps." While we have to set goals, take action, and get moving, the Lord promises to direct our steps....I pray that as we all explore opportunities and take advantage of our teen years that the Lord would continue to bless us and provide us with a clear direction.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ryan! I really like that verse - it kind of puts things in a different light. Rather than just sitting around and waiting for something to happen, we're supposed to be doing things to get started. It's such a hard balance though - trying to get things going while also trying to listen for what God wants us to do. It's a good thing we've got the Bible to show us how :-)
DeleteHey Kira, I remember goinging through these kind of things and dad said,"man makes his plans and what does God do with them?" And I remember answering him,"He changes them." I later was told that God directs our footsteps. I hope this helps you to get through some hard times, even though you have Marie right now.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
-Amelia
That's definitely a good thing to keep in mind. God can and will change our plans whenever He desires - no matter how "set in stone" they are.
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