I am a planner by nature. We have a set schedule for most of the week. With younger children, I like to have an idea of how our weekends will go, birthday parties, walking adventures, play dates, or just a day at home to relax and play in the playroom. Either way, I naturally have an idea of what a day will look like for our household. Some people just go “with the flow”, they do not like to plan and just take the day as it goes. We are all made differently!
Now if you asked me several years ago, what my five-year plan would be I could generate a list and proudly hand it right to you. As I have grown and matured in Christ, I have learned ( sometimes in a hard way) that things do not go as planned. I am referring to “long-term goals”. Even though a planned weekend can fall into this category, let us focus on long-term goals.
God has shown me that His plans are better. I have realized as humans we mess everything up. God is perfect. I have learned that dreams and goals are good. However, I always bring them back to the Lord. What do I mean by this? He can do anything He wants. He already knows what I will face and the steps I will take. I want to do His will and as I dig into His Word(the Bible) and stay in fervent prayer, He slowly shows me how that will look. My first goal as a believer in Jesus is to know Him more. Having that relationship with Him and drawing near to Him, allows God to draw near to me! How wonderful this is!
In the Bible, in James 4:8, NKJV, “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Clense your hands you sinners and purify your hearts, you double minded”.
In my relationship with God, I share my hopes, dreams, and goals. How amazing it can be and frustrate me when he shows me that will not work out. He closes the door. I have learned it was for the better. I have learned that what I want is not always good for me and/or my family.
Proverbs 16:3, NKJV, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans”.
Let God take control. Surrender to Him because we are all a mess. Surrendering can happen when you learn how to truly trust Him. He knows our hearts. He knows everything. Take your plans, goals, and aspirations to Him. Sometimes you may not like what will happen but remember God knows best and when he closes a door a better one may open. He is faithful!
