Each week, we present a devotional that was written by one of our partners. This week’s words of reflection were written by Christina Williams.The Word:
“‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’” Jeremiah 29:11 (NASB)
The Story:
I have always enjoyed making plans. Ever since adolescence, I intended on becoming a teacher. I also remember telling my grandmother that I would get married at exactly twenty years old. Although certain parts of my life have indeed turned out the way I imagined, there are plenty of areas that did not. I endured sexual abuse as a teenager by close relatives. The man I anticipated marrying chose to live a life defined by unhealthy choices. Later, I dropped out of college after two years, which put my teaching career on hold. Despite all of this, I realize that God has a plan, which is clearly evident by the young women’s hearts that have been touched by my shared testimony. Because of the Lord’s protection, I have the husband the Lord intended for me. I am also currently less than a year away from completing my childhood dream of a college degree. Although my journey may have been different than what I had originally mapped out, I am exactly where God wants me to be.
The Reflection:
How often are we placing God at the center of our plans? When our plans do not go the way we intended, how do we respond? Are we seeking Jesus first in the choices and decisions we make?
The Application:
Let us trust the Lord with our plans, goals and dreams by seeking Him first in prayer and asking Him to direct our steps. If things turn out differently than we anticipated, let us still choose to honor and praise God. He sees the bigger picture and knows exactly what we need.
The Prayer:
Lord, help us to trust You completely. Please give us direction in our decisions and goals. Let everything that we say and do bring glory to You. Help us to be thankful even when things don’t go the way we feel they should go. Amen.
