by Amanda Baker
Recently, I heard a missionary wife give a challenge concerning the difficulty of a missionary’s life as things don’t always go according to “the plan” that we have for our lives. I think that it could be said of all people that things don’t always go according to our plans. My heart was challenged by a few simple truths that will help me face the outcome of God’s plans for my life when they don’t turn out the way I expected them to.
1. Be thankful.
I Thessalonians 5:18 – “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Even when things are not going my way, I must be thankful for what the Lord is doing in my life. I don’t know what is best for me, so I have to trust God to know what is best for me. He doesn’t send me anything that is BAD for me, so I need to be thankful for ALL that He sends my way even when it “messes up my plans.”
2. Be content.
Philippians 4:11 – “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” When plans change to something unexpected, I need to learn to be content. Paul was clearly content as he wrote these words from a prison cell! Would you be content if you were chained in a prison for no substantial reason? The plan doesn’t always work out, but I must learn to be content in the Lord.
3. Be on time for ministry opportunities.
Psalm 118:24 – “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Some days seem impossible when the task of serving our Lord and following His plan lie before us. It would be easy when plans change to throw in the towel and find an easier path to follow. However, if I am late in the ministry opportunities that God has planned for me, I will miss the rejoicing that comes along with pleasing Him with my service.
How are your plans going? Don’t let a change in plans sway you from your goal – Please the Lord first and foremost! He will work out the plans for your best and for His glory!
Devotional for Church Blog 10/30/14