MY PLANS CRUMBLE, YOUR PURPOSE REMAINS
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21, ESV
Theme: We desire control but our plans crumble; God’s purpose endures.
OUR PLANS
“Many are the plans in the mind” (Proverbs 19:21a, ESV). So many plans are in our minds! When we are little, we don’t plan ahead. It’s not unusual for my five year old to ask "Is it the weekend?” on a Wednesday or “Is Christmas tomorrow?” in mid-May. One day, he plans to be an astronaut and the next day he’s settled on becoming a monster truck driver instead. As we grow, we start to see how our actions lead to outcomes – like good grades, opportunities, and healthy friendships. In a sense this is true. Good choices lead to better outcomes than poor choices, usually. This leads us to believe we have control. I remember struggling to figure out what career I wanted to pursue and settling on a path forward outwardly confident, yet still unsure. Many people of all ages struggle with lack of control when caught up in things like a messy divorce. Often, our world falls apart and there is nothing we can do to fix it. Mental health issues can spiral out of control with no cure. Loved ones die or suffer with sickness, and we often can’t change the situation or the outcome. Our plans crumble.
A FENCE
Our family has been working to replace our broken-down backyard fence. We hired workers and ordered materials. Although they were paid for and delivered, it turns out some items were missing. I called customer support. I called the local store. The items were difficult to locate. They are working to make it right, but our project is delayed. I could get angry. I could be frustrated that my plans are not working out. I’m tempted to do that. Yet, what does it matter if this fence goes up a week later than planned? At the end of my conversation with the Home Depot employee, she shared that she would be out because of a chemo treatment Monday but would call me Tuesday morning. Suddenly I was less concerned about 26 bags of concrete: “I’m so sorry you have to go through that. Will you be feeling well on Tuesday?” I asked. “That’s what I’m praying.” she replied.
We try hard to figure out what we want and how to get it. We focus on outcomes – like wealth, fame, health, notoriety, or a backyard fence project – and are disappointed. However, whether a person even believes that God is real, “it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” You can’t control anything, really. Even if you can, you might find that what you can control lacks meaning.
HIS PURPOSE
Our plans are too small. They center around our own concerns. When we get involved with what God is doing, our contributions are meaningful because He controls the outcomes that affect others and eternity. This is why I love serving locally and internationally with The Church. We make plans. We follow God’s leading. Yet, when things change, we know that it is all for His glory, and the result of our effort is up to Him. “For everything absolutely everything above and below, visible and invisible, ... everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him” (Colossians 1:16, MSG). The famous first line in Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Driven Life says it all: “It’s not about you.” The irony is when we give up control to God, He uses our tiny offering for His purpose – and that outcome is guaranteed. Victory is secure.
Make It Personal: In what area of your life do you hang on to control? What plans do you want to hold tightly? Remember His purpose for us. What would it take to let go of the outcome and results and instead trust God?
Pray: God, Sometimes I plan too much. Help me to make good choices. Help me to listen for Your voice and follow You. My vision can be too small sometimes. I know You have the big picture and You can do anything. I want to get involved with Your purpose. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in what You are doing right now! Help me to see it today in a small or big way. I don’t want to miss it. Forgive me for the times I tried to control everything or got angry when my plans failed. Help me to trust you more and have real peace. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Read: Psalm 33:10-11; Isaiah 46:10-11; 1 John 5:4
Weekly Memory Verse: “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.” Proverbs 21:31, ESV