God's Perfect Plan
As you sincerely yield your life to Jesus, you'll encounter an incredible adventure. Now I'll be honest with you, it may not always feel that way, but when you begin to trust Him completely, you'll stop questioning the twists and turns of your journey. The road to your destiny is never a direct route. There will be times you think you have it all figured out and out of the blue your course is reset...
Many of you know that we've sold our house in St. Louis, moved into an apartment there and purchased a house in Florida. We absolutely know without a doubt that God has led us to do this and that we'll retire here in the future. I'm sitting in this beautiful home right now writing this devotion. I'll be honest with you, my desire is to live here now. I believe in the prayer of faith and fully believe that I could pray my way into open doors for that to happen. Being a Christian for 44 years has taught me a few things. I have prayed in faith and did battle for what I've wanted in the past and soon found out it was not at all what was best for my life...I actually despised the blessing and had to repent and ask God to get me out of the situation. So, this morning as I rode my bike around this incredible community, I shared my heart with God. "Lord, I'm so thankful for You leading us to this place and home, you know it's our hearts desire to be here permanently... but there's one thing we desire more and that's to be where you want us, right in the center of your will. I don't know what's best for us, but You do! Show us Your desire for this home, whether we are to rent it out till the time You move us here or You open a door for us to be able to move here soon. Whatever Your will is, we will be content." And I meant it, what excites me about life is living it in constant communication with my Bride Groom, giving Him the reigns and trusting Him with the outcome. Why are we on this journey? Time will tell…
I started writing this devotion on Thursday, but for some reason I was unable to finish it. By the next evening the Lord made everything clear...
As we were purchasing a house we felt led to buy, but couldn't yet see the big picture, a couple we know that lives across the country sold their home and businesses, also following the leading of God. They packed up their family with only what they could carry and spent a month in a third world country…praying and asking God for direction. The adventure soon took a negative turn and they found themselves in Florida…unsure of what their next step should be. I wonder if at that point they may have wondered if they missed it? All the while the Lord was preparing a home for them and He had to take them on that specific journey to get them there. They had fully surrendered to God's will and were willing to go wherever He would lead as long as they could abide in the center of His will….God’s timing is incredible. He had us buy a house we could not yet move into for a family who gave up everything for Him. They are leasing our home for 6 months while waiting for the next piece to God’s incredible puzzle of life. I've got to tell you…there's no one I'd rather see living in our home until God says it's our time! Wow! Who is this God we serve!!??
Wherever your life is right now... trust Jesus. He wants the best for you and that starts with a relationship with Him. He loves you enough to take you on a path that leads you closer to His heart. Then hand in hand He will show you the way to your destiny, one step at a time.
Don't be frightened by how things may look or feel right now. Nothing takes Him by surprise. You are still moving forward as long as you are staying focused on Jesus and are willing to exchange your dreams and desires for His. They are so much greater anyway!
TRUST HIM! You are not forgotten, second rate or an after thought. You are deeply, deeply loved and desired! He's got a plan with your name on it. Don't complain or become fearful when things don't turn out the way you thought they would…just keep praising Him as He unravels the plans to His perfect will! Commit today to give the details of your life to Him!
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.
Luke 22:42 (NKJV) saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”
Mark 10:29-30 (NLT) “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life.
Psalm 112:7 (NLT) They do not fear bad news they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
