Week 27: October 16-22
God’s Plans or My Plans
Genesis 50:19-20
19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many peopleshould be kept alive, as they are today.
God put me through a situation recently where I had a small accident with a power tool and got a pretty bad cut on my finger. I’ll spare you the gory details but I can share pictures if you desire. God was so gracious to me in the care I received and the encouragement I received from my church. But the very moment of the injury after the initial “ouch” and “aaahhhh’s” I immediately said, “why now?” I have so much work left to do. I have so much coming up at church, why now?
“Why now” translates into, “I have a plan to accomplish and this is not part of my plan.” Even when the plans are noble and good, why would God suddenly derail them? We will then spend a lot of time pondering why God worked the way he did.
Planning is a big part of our American culture. Life planning and Life coaches are a huge industry. We have a difficult time letting go of our plans. In our scripture passage we see Joseph talking to his brothers after everything he went through. Joseph’s entire life was changed by the decision of his brothers. But Joseph who always had the right perspective knew that God was always behind his life and God was working this for the eventual salvation of Israel.
We have to be convinced in our theology before life changes happen. We have to know at our core that God controls the actions of our life and that those actions are for His glory and His plan. As a Christian, we believe from God’s word that he is sovereignly controlling the events of the world. God is seeking to save the lost and grow his church that is the plan. Anyway God uses us in that plan is an honor and a blessing. God is also using these circumstances to grow us and make us more like Jesus. (Rom 8:29)
Here are the ways God worked through my, “why now.” First, God planned for pastor Dan to preach in my place and 3 souls professed Christ through God leading him to preach a focused gospel message. Second, God needed to correct my attitude. I had grown so angry about all the work and the process that goes into a major move and renovation. God reminded me quickly that I have so much to be thankful for and all that he has done for our family. What better way to be thankful than to have an injury that could have been much, much worse? Third, God allows others to care for you in the body of Christ, which is a blessing to me and a blessing to them. People always step up in an emergency and what an encouragement to our family. But you only really get to see that in a time of need.
In every one of life’s pauses or redirects there is always a reason. God is working the situation for His plan and your growth. Although these times will be hard, we should almost have a feeling of excited expectation instead of dread, fear, and anger. These aren’t coincidences, I am watching almighty God work and orchestrate my life!
Families, we need to prepare ourselves for this reality. We need to talk about the fact that life is not fair and life can be very difficult. We need to help the next generation see that God guides life for His plan and our growth. We spend numerous hours talking to our kids helping them make plans to prepare for the future, but we are not preparing them spiritually or to look at life with spiritual eyes. God help us to do this.
Pray Together
- Pray that God helps us look at life and plans through spiritual eyes.
- Pray that God will create an opportunity for a Gospel conversation this week.
- Pray that God will develop in you a heart of prayer and dependence on Him.