Has life ever taken a turn you didn’t anticipate? I know it has for me many times. And to keep it real with you, I can’t say my initial response was always the most Christ-like reaction. At times, I was angry, sad, hurt–you name it, I felt it.
Having these feelings isn’t the issue. The real problem is that I took my eyes off God. I wanted life to go my way. I was so focused on what I considered ‘problems’ that I failed to realize God is in control–not me. I also failed to understand that God is never caught by surprise by what happens in our life’s.
Let us look at the following Scriptures together…
Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV)
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
God’s ultimate purpose in redemptive history was to create a people, from every tribe and nation, who will dwell in his presence, glorifying him through their lives and enjoying him forever. God has also promised health and prosperity as we go on with life, He has given us here on the earth based on 3rd John 2. When we make plans outside God’s approval, we do NOT have a backup of Heaven. This can lead to frustrations and at times getting mad with God and quitting.
Satan wants us to focus on problems. He wants us to be led by our emotions; however, we are called to be different. When you’re hit with an unexpected left hook, I encourage you to take captive all thoughts that are contrary to God. As in Philippians 4:8 which says “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.”
We should make plans, but those plans should be made through counsel with God. … Proverbs 16:9 declares, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps”. This scripture about making plans is a simple reminder that while we may make plans, it is ultimately the Lord who establishes and directs our steps.
If we’re honest, we all have moments where our inner two-year-old comes out. We may even put or have our version of a temper tantrum. Some of us may even have a harder time managing our anxiety or depression when we don’t feel as if we’re in control. It’s understandable but God wants us to turn our worries into praise. Never lose hope. Trust that God has everything under control.
Proverbs 3:5-7 (Amplified Bible)
5 Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
6 [a]In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him,
And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil.
It’s easy to have trust issues when you’re used to others not following through on what they’ve said. However, we never have to worry about God changing His mind. God may not meet our expectations, but He will always do what He says – trust in Him.
Remember, God’s plan was perfect from the beginning and will remain perfect forever. Furthermore, nothing can stop God’s plans from coming to pass. He is above all (JOHN 3:31), “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.”
Jeremiah 29:11; “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
When life doesn’t go as you plan, don’t focus on what you don’t have or what you think you missed out on. Keep your focus on God and pray. He will hear you.
Whenever life’s a blur or seems too heavy, don’t be afraid to tell God how you feel. He already knows. He wants you to remember you can always trust Him with what you know and don’t know.
For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it testifies about the end and will not lie. Though it delays, wait for it, since it will certainly come and not be late. – Habakkuk 2:3
Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” … For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!”
We never know how long it will take to understand God’s plan for our life. When you’re feeling as if you can’t go on, remember that your strength lies in our Father. Live each day with courage, knowing God’s will shall come to pass.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6
When life doesn’t go as planned, we may feel confused about our next steps. We can expect God to guide us when we put our trust in Him instead of our understanding.
Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him; do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way, by the man who carries out evil plans. – Psalm 37:7
When we look at the amazing accomplishments of those around us, we may be tempted to complain, be fearful or even become jealous. God wants us to refrain from those things and to trust that His way is better than ours.
Christians facing difficult situations today can take comfort in Jeremiah 29:11 knowing that it is not a promise to immediately rescue us from hardship or suffering, but rather a promise that God has a plan for our lives and regardless of our current situation, or what the devil tries to bring our way to cause us to stumble, He is able to work through it to prosper us and to give us a hope in our future.
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