Yesterday, I had a scheduled conference call with someone about a few projects I'm working on. We had a really great conversation that lasted longer than I expected and covered even more ground than I initially thought. I was so excited about some plans I had been developing. I would soon find out that my plans were just that. Mine.
God had a different idea entirely.
My original intent was to move forward with some things I had my heart set on. By the time I finished my candid business discussion last evening, however, I didn't have peace in my heart about what I originally set out to do. And I believe we should never ever move on anything if we don't have peace about it.
So last night I prayed for God's direction. I asked Him to give me wisdom and clarity. By this afternoon my prayer was answered. He showed me exactly what I needed to do and confirmed it in the span of a few hours. "Thank you Lord," I said with a grateful heart. Even though God's direction turned out to be just the opposite of what I was expecting, I didn't fight. I didn't try to bargain with Him. I just said yes.
I'm reminded of the scripture in Proverbs 19:21 that says, "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." When we get to a place of desiring God's will above all else, even when He tears up our plans, we won't lose our joy. When God says the opposite of what we want to hear, we won't fret. Rather, we'll remain confident and assured that His way is best and gladly surrender our will in exchange for His.
I can truly say, after I released my plans and grabbed hold to what God was saying to me, I felt His peace and joy rush in. A sense of relief, focus, and clarity replaced the internal restlessness I had been experiencing.
I took a deep breath, closed the door on those plans, and kept it moving.
Perhaps there is something you have been toiling with in your heart. You want to move ahead but you don't have clarity. I encourage you to be still. Let God give you the answer. Whether He says yes, no, or wait, your response, and mine, should always be the same.
Yes Lord.
TODAY'S PRAYER: God I'm facing some decisions in my life and I don't know exactly what to do. But You know all things. I pray that You will give me clarity and understanding. And please help me accept and obey whatever You say, even if I prefer something different. Father, I humbly ask that You will give me more of a hunger for Your divine will, and an obedient heart of surrender everyday. In Jesus' name, Amen.
