One thing I have come to know is that oftentimes we make our plans in life based on what we like or what we are good at. But we are in His will. God always has a way of putting us on a path that we would never put ourselves on.
The bible says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21) Yet we still live as if we are in control.
Our Plans Belong To Him
Maybe you find yourself making plans and feel sure of what you want to do. We all have free will, and I’m sure that if we continue pushing to go the way we want, the Lord will not stop us.
But if we know that God is all-knowing and His ways are perfect, why do we go against Him?
Even though you made the decision to follow His plan for your life, that doesn’t mean that His path will always be easy. In fact, it’s difficult and trialsome. When we are in His will, we are guaranteed hardship.
He will push you. He will stretch you. He will place you in situations that will test your greatest weaknesses.
Perhaps your hour of prayer has been something that you thought you’d never do. Maybe it’s been a stretch in your walk with God. Or maybe it’s something you have done for so long and you are getting a bit weary. I say to you, as many have encouraged me, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Be reminded today that even in our journey when difficulty and discomfort come our way, there is peace in knowing we are in His will. We know that His plan will always be different from that of the world’s. For He tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
Devotional for Day 19
Scripture: “Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples. “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even unto death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advances a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as you will.” When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” — Matthew 25:36-41
Reflection: Even Jesus was afraid and needed the comfort of his closest friends. They could not have possibly know the fear that he was experiencing, even though Jesus told them over and over that he would be handed over, would be severely beaten and killed. They blew it off, after all, Jesus was constantly teaching in parables, so this must be just one of those parables. Even Jesus needed the comfort and consolation of loved ones, the human touch that God inscribed upon our beings. Jesus was fully divine, yet also fully human, in all ways, except sin of course. He found renewed strength when he prayed to his Heavenly Father, and so we should follow his example and seek strength from God the Father, and also consolation and comfort from our friends, especially when women drive by on their way into the “Women’s Reproductive Clinic” abortion facilities, and see prayer volunteers and advocates, but just pretend not to see, or turn their heads away so they won’t see.
Prayer: In your agony, Lord, you must have felt alone and afraid. Even your most beloved—Peter, James, and John—could not keep watch with you. Each day, Lord Jesus, thousands of babies are killed, participants in your passion. Each day Lord Jesus, the abandoned elderly and neglected disabled, participate in your passion. Keep us awake, O Lord, that we might watch with you and accept the cup God gives to us in every moment of our lives. For you are Lord, forever and ever.
