Liza Minnelli once said “Man plans and God laughs.”
It feels that way sometimes doesn’t it? We set our plans in order. We write down our vision statements, set our long-term and short-term goals, only to have them seemingly slip through our fingertips because of some unforeseen life-change.
It’s in those moments we can say with Solomon, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. ” Prov. 16:9
So often those steps are not anything like what we planned. Truth be told, as much as we want to say, “It’s always better than we planned!”, in the moment it sure doesn’t seem that way to us!
Change generally brings with it a reordering of our goals. In the midst of change some goals remain untouched; some are altered in time-frame, scope, or purpose; And some just evaporate altogether like a brook in August.
When life change comes our way we are forced to see that life is not really about the finish line. It’s about the journey. We make a mistake when we make faith about “gettin’ to Heaven” or about “gettin’ to” anything. You see, Christianity does not come with an end in mind; It’s supposed to be an unending journey with Jesus; So it is the pathway that matters most. When we focus on the moment by moment walking, the temporal finish lines promise to take care of themselves.
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. The LORD works out everything for his own ends–even the wicked for a day of disaster.” Proverbs 16:4,5 NIV
So maybe you’re in the midst of a goal-destroying life change just now. Hold on, I know with your limited vision you cannot see how it’s all going to work out. With what you understand, I know it’s almost impossible to see how this could possibly be right. Give God time to reorder your goals. Trust Him that the goals which should remain will. Trust Him to show you what goals need to be altered. Trust Him to take away the goals that never should have been yours in the first place. Trust Him to make it all right!
Reinventing the We'll 
Pastor J . . .thank you. This is so honest and ministers to us in the deepest places and ways. I have always struggled with goals. I know we are suppose to have them. I don’t think God is against them. But I just never had any before coming to Him . . .except for awhile I had the goal of ending my life. That was a bad one that He tossed out. 🙂 Then after coming to Jesus, I just wanted to do what He wanted me to do, and most of what I can do depends on what others around me are doing and well goals stay pretty simple and short termed. Maybe for the best?
God bless you and thank you for helping us through the changes that come with life.
Thanks Deb for your comment. Goals always need to be broken down into bite-sized chunks. I find for myself the shorter the better. I can barely see tomorrow never mind ten years down the road. So I know what God has said about my life and I just try to live it the best I can calling on His help everyday. Praise God for what He has done in your life! 🙂
Thank you, Pastor J
I don’t have the words to speak my heart tonight but thank you for sharing this.
Change isn’t always the most welcome thing but I’m confident that He is still in control – even when life cycles say otherwise.
God bless you as you cycle through all your life cycles 😉
Trusting
ann
You are welcome Ann! The cycles have been pretty difficult this weekend but God is good and everyday I wake up He is still on the throne and I am reminded I am one day closer to the coming of His glory! I guess seeing that is my ultimate goal!
Isn’t it wonderful that no matter what changes come about, no matter what circumstances we encounter, we can KNOW without any doubt whatsoever, that when we TRUST our heavenly Father and continue in His will, everything will turn out for our good.
What an amazing God!
He is truly amazing. I marvel at the truth that je is going to make something good out of my mess! I speak though I don;t always see it. I am living for the tomorrow He has promised not for the day I am in. Thanks for reminding me of the goal He has given me!
Thank You, Pastor J.
I am thankful that God has a plan for me. My struggle is the waiting for his direction in my life right now. My goal at present is to continue to draw near so I can hear his whisper. So until God gives me a new path to follow I will continue to draw close. I am grateful to God for the special time I have had with my son this summer. Thank you God for knowing what we need just when we need it. In God’s timing. Debby
Amen Deb! Even when we cannot see it and His voice seems so far away we are assured that He has a plan! Further that plan is good! I am praying for you today. 🙂