~Our plans and those greater~

Recently a similar conversation has been coming up in our household. The topic is no stranger to many. Especially those thinkers out there. You know who you are! 

I must admit I have always been one of those thinkers. Since I can remember I have been thinking about EVERYTHING! I don't mean just thinking about things that are right in front of me or the topics that are directly embracing my attention at a particular moment. I mean thinking, dreaming, planning, analyzing, scheming, reflecting, the list could really go on but I'm sure you get the gist. Imagine the surprise of those that know me best when I married a "thinker" as well (no surprise really). So, together, happily married, us thinkers over here have found ourselves coming back to one specific topic. THE PLAN! 

Along with thinking, a very correlated skill I embrace is planning. It probably comes as no surprise that I am also a VERY large advocate of planning. I mean let's be honest, I already have a rough plan of where I will be, what I will be doing, etc. in ten years from now. Or so I think. I'm also very aware that my plan will not turn out that way. As you continue to read I hope you begin to see why this is nothing that concerns me. 

Planning is always good. I mean no discouragement from this post at all. I was always told that it's wise to have a plan even if just a tiny one. But, where I'm really going with this particular post is the question of who's plan are we actually following and which one is better? (Should I continue or is it really a no brainer?)

You see I, like most, have no concept of what the world beyond ours is like. I cannot humanly grasp or envision what Heaven will be like because I've haven't experienced it yet! I do have faith from reading about it in the Bible that it will be greater and sweeter than anything we could ever experience here on earth. I think of the plans I make for myself in a similar manner. So often do I find myself scheming up these grand, marvelous plans for myself and my life only to turn around and find that they NEVER work out the exact way I envisioned. I used to be completely annoyed by this and it only took SO many times of feeling helpless after another failed plan to realize that I was relying on myself and my earthly abilities to get me through.  Well, instead of planning I should have been praying! 

Proverbs 19: 21 states ~ "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." 

This is so comforting! Is it not? Living in such a fast passed, competitive society, we are constantly altering and making plans that fit what's hot and happening in our mind at a specific time. But what is so relieving and beautiful is that God already knows our plans before we do. He already has a purpose and a path and a goal for us that if we just give our faith and trust in him he will provide a way. 

You see, recently I have been reflecting on things that have happened just this year. 
A year ago I was convinced that I had my plans made. I would be living in a specific town, married, working my dream job, living the life that I had created for myself and it was going to be PERFECT!

 Turns out, I didn't end up in the city that I envisioned myself in. I did get married, and I have a fantastic job but the point is, while I didn't end up where I wanted to be, God knew where I needed to be. There have been many things that have happened this year that I needed to be here for. If I had not, I would have been wishing I was. God knew this even before I could have.  

It's so difficult to put our trust somewhere other than ourselves. Especially when it deals with big decisions. Job changes, moves, family choices, etc. It's tough and we are all human. However, God promises a life better than we could have imagined if we put our faith and trust in him. That doesn't mean it won't be challenging at times. He also promises that as well. However, he promises to direct our paths and show us a way and bring us into the light, if we let him. So, tonight, as your resting easy or making those lists in your mind, thinking, dreaming, scheming, planning, etc. just stop! PRAY instead. Pray for direction, an open heart and for guidance. HE LISTENS! 

"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