Embracing God’s Plans

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” (Prov. 16:9, NIV)

Making plans for the future is good. Deciding on a specific direction for our career and personal lives is healthy. We should keep in mind, however, that God is ultimately in control, which means that our plans may not come to pass. This isn’t discouraging because we know that God is loving, faithful, and gracious. We can trust that he has good plans for us.

I’m confident that God will work out what’s best for me. I avoid potential heartache by seeking God’s wisdom regarding my plans. If I ask, he can align my heart with what’s best. I submit all of my plans to God in prayer, knowing he loves me and knows what is for my good and his glory.

I know that God does not callously thwart my plans. I trust that there are reasons the things I hope for don’t happen. I don’t often know why he says no, but I choose to believe it’s because he has something better in mind. I may never know why things don’t work out the way I think is best, but I can look at the results of God’s path and search for the blessings it brought.

I lived in Georgia for thirteen years. When we moved to Atlanta for my husband’s job, we assumed we’d be there for a few years before moving somewhere else as promotions transported him to various cities around the country. He’d moved to Georgia from North Carolina for a promotion, so it wasn’t an unreasonable assumption. That was also our experience as children. I moved from west to east and he moved up and down the eastern seaboard for our fathers’ careers.

When our first child was born, we thought it’d be beneficial if we moved closer to one of our families. My husband started applying for positions that would get us back to North Carolina, where his parents lived. Seven years later, we were still in Georgia, despite several job applications and interviews. We eventually decided to settle in for the long haul and accept God’s plans, whatever they might be. A few months ago, another opportunity arose. I was ambivalent about it because my husband had found great success in his sales role, we had a thriving community, and our family was happy. We decided to pursue it, though, being fine with either staying or going, and it resulted in a relocation to Asheville.

I don’t pretend to understand why this opportunity worked out when the others didn’t, but I’ve chosen to trust that God was purposeful in keeping us in Georgia for as long as he did. We’ve been through some rough, lonely, challenging times, but I think they strengthened our marriage and family bonds. We developed a solid group of friends, and our children made connections with kids at their school and in the neighborhood. We learned how to build community and find contentment in our situation, lessons that are useful as we now try to make connections in our new town.

I believe that all the struggles and closed doors we faced were used to develop positive characteristics and qualities in us. I’ve definitely grown in the areas of endurance, perseverance, and trust in God’s love and faithfulness. I’ve learned to share feelings of loneliness and disconnection with others in order to find the support and closeness I need. I ask for help from others when even when it’s uncomfortable and awkward for me. I am able to encourage other young moms with the wisdom I gained from my own experience.

In addition to growing closer to my family, I’ve drawn closer to God. He was with me through the disappointments, hurts, and loneliness. He remained faithful in encouraging me and speaking truth to me. He’s brought people into my life who have encouraged me and helped me learn new ways to deepen my relationship with him. While I may not have welcomed God’s “no” when that was his response to my plans, I can appreciate all that his plans have given to me. I trust that he will continue to provide what my family needs.

Lord, it’s hard not to be allowed to travel the pathways we desire. It’s disappointing to have our plans dissolve. Please remind us of your goodness and your love. Help us to see what you’re doing in our lives, especially when they don’t look the way we want them to. Develop in us humility and submission to your will, so that we can be open to everything you have planned for us. Draw our hearts to you, and give us eyes to see the blessings you provide. Help us to share our plans with you, but also enable us to wholeheartedly say, “Your will be done.” Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

“And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as you will.’” (Matt. 26:39 ESV)

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”  (Rom. 8:28 ESV)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Prov. 3:5-6 ESV)

Reach for More

What plans did you have for yourself that did not or have not yet come to pass? Can you see any blessings that have come from the path you’re currently on? If you’re struggling, pray about it and ask God to show you the good that has previously come from his plans for you.

Megan Byrd is a mother of two who loves reading, writing, traveling, and introverting. When she’s not at a class at the gym, she can either be found perusing used book stores for great deals or exploring her new town of Asheville, NC. She is the author of Between Us Girls and can be found chronicling her reading journey @meganbyrdreads on Instagram or writing about life at meganbyrd.net.

Photograph © Iga Palacz, used with permission