God Has A Plan!

People tell me about their troubles and I’m glad to share the burden. I hear things like:
“Why did my girlfriend break our engagement?”
“My brother in law may have cancer.”
“My marriage isn’t working and I’m being tempted by someone else.”
“As of tomorrow, I have no work.”

My counsel is often about waiting for God, actively praying for the faith that will keep us steady, while we look for His plan to unfold. He has a plan! Heard that before? Of course, you have. That’s not news, but it is one of the most difficult truths to hang onto when stuff is flying in the storm all around us; when not much is making sense!

In the 18th chapter of John, we read of Jesus’ arrest. A detachment of soldiers, led by Judas, who knew the place, climb the steep hill to the olive grove where He has been praying. It is the middle of the night. Fear grabs the throats of the disciples, but Jesus calmly steps forward and meets this menacing troop. “Who are you looking for?” And again they replied, “Jesus the Nazarene.” “I told you that I Am he,” Jesus said. “And since I am the one you want, let these others go.” (John 18:7-8, NLT)

What is the source of His peace and strength? His knowledge that God’s plan must unfold!
Peter, on the same night, reacts entirely differently. When the first men show up to arrest Jesus, Peter pulls his dagger and takes a wild swing, cutting off one’s ear! Jesus tells Peter he isn’t being helpful! “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” (John 18:11, NKJV)

Later, when Jesus is facing Annas, the former high priest, for questioning, He doesn’t cower. He stands up boldly, telling the old man that He wants a trial. “If I did anything, or said anything wrong, prove it with witnesses!”

At the same moment, Peter is denying he even knows Jesus! He is full of fear, confused by what’s going on, trying to survive! One Man knew that He was in the center of God’s will. The other did not. Nothing in those circumstances suggested God was at work. There was injustice, corruption of power, and betrayal - but God was bringing about His plan to redeem sinful humanity! Mystery, isn’t it?

Perhaps nothing in your situation appears good or ‘godly!’ Today you may be surrounded by temptation, sickness, doubt, or uncertainty. Before you start lashing out, swinging the sword of self-defense or saying things you don’t really believe - wait on God! Tell the Holy Spirit you’re afraid. Reach out to disciples who will stand with you. Retreat to a quiet spot where you can offer up silent prayer. Pick up the Word and read a passage of promise. Renew your faith in the plans of your Father. "Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own." (Jeremiah 33:3, The Message) My counsel is not to resign to fate. It is to embrace God’s plan. On the outside it may look much the same, but in the latter choice there is hope and peace.

Here’s a word from the Word. Read it and pray for faith to receive it.
"When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." (Ephesians 3:14-20, NLT) _______________

The song of my soul,
Since the Lord made me whole,
Has been the old story so blest,
Of Jesus who'll save
Whosoever will have
A home in the "Haven of Rest."

O come to the Savior,
He patiently waits
To save by His power divine;
Come, anchor your soul
In the "Haven of Rest,"
And say, My Beloved is mine."

I've anchored my soul
In the "Haven of Rest,"
I'll sail the wide seas no more;
The tempest may sweep,
O'er the wild stormy deep;
In Jesus I'm safe evermore.

The Haven Of Rest
Gilmour, Henry L. / Moore, George D.
© Public Domain