It's 'my' Idea

It is amazing how on certain days I can be so full of faith, trusting God for the work He is doing in my life - and then others are spent trying to figure out why my life is going in the direction it is. I have this ‘plan’ and ‘idea’ that certain things are supposed to be a certain way because I am a follower of Christ.

Chuck Swindoll blew this theory up on me the other day when I read: “We need to understand that God’s “wonderful plan” is wonderful from His perspective, not yours and mine.”

That just messes everything up, doesn’t it? We are taught as a young child to aspire for greatness. Go to school. Graduate from college. Get a five-year plan together. Get married. Have two kids and a dog. Live in a house with a white picket fence.
There is always going to be enough money in the bank account. Everyone will always be healthy. Just basking in the blessings that are given out from God.

That is our idea of what God’s wonderful plan entails.

Art Museum
(Federal Hill - Baltimore, MD)

It is not that God sits around planning for our demise. Nor does He desire for us to experience difficult moments. 

Imagine (if you are a parent) moments with your children when they are hurting. Those moments when they are tested…you want to step in so bad, but you know what they are going through is for there own good. It is in the school of life where character is forged.

If you truly believe Him to be your Heavenly Father, then we have to have faith enough in Him to believe that He knows what He’s doing. We often wonder why our parents don’t just step in and make everything better? They know, from experience, that this trial is for our growth. The best way to bring honor to your parents is to grow independent from them and dependent on God.

What an incredible parallel that can be drawn. If you really want to honor your Heavenly Father, then grow independent from your plan and depend on Him. 

Why doesn’t God just step in and fill up our bank accounts?
Why does God not just heal their sickness?
I wonder what God is doing? I’m seeking an answer for direction that just hasn’t shown up.

(Forest Hill, MD)

Understand, as a loving Father, His plan has a heavenly purpose. It is to mature you in preparation for His eternal promise. Not just for you, but for everyone you come in contact with.

Remember: Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (NLT)