Monday, March 4, 2019

God's Plans and My Plans

We welcomed three new members to Trinity Church during worship, and they spoke about how God called them to Trinity. I have to agree! It's amazing what God can do if we let God; where God will lead us, if we are willing to follow.
Looking back at the events of last year, I recognize that God's plans are often different from mine, and always better. I would have preferred some things to have gone differently at the time. But looking back, I believe they prepared me for greater things.
We often have strong feelings, good or bad. We judge instantly. And then we reflect. We understand. We learn. We let God's spirit guide us. And when we do, it opens us up for God's plan.
Our fabulous music director, Mike Westberry, spoke about a passage from Jeremiah:  "For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me." (Jeremiah 29:11-14.)
God has plans for our welfare, to give us a future with hope. Mike pointed out that there is an action required on our end: IF you seek God with all your heart, God will let you find God.
God wants to be found. God wants to give us nothing but good. But God also respects our free will. If we are open for God's will for us, it will be done.
It all comes down to trusting that God knows better than we do. And remaining open for God's guidance. Actively asking, "God, what do you want me to do? Where are you nudging me to go?" And often it requires a lot of patience. We may not get an answer right away. But we will always get an answer.
In all the evil around us, the hatred, the violence: God has a plan for our world, too. I believe God wants to use us for good.
God has plans for you, and they are good!

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