Not My Plan

It's been interesting lately to listen to people's reactions to current job and economic conditions. Many of the people I see regularly know that I'm a Christian and that I'm comfortable with God being in control of my life. Maybe that's why suddenly it seems that everyone wants to talk about God's plan. They want my opinion on God's plan for my life, as well as what I think God has planned for their life. But when I start to talk about how I think that God's plan for his people is something to be discovered in a relationship with Him, not decided over the break table, the response is usually the same: "I just wish He'd show me what I'm supposed to do about a job" or "I hope His plan includes health benefits".

I'll admit, I've wondered lately what's in store for me, too. But I keep coming back to the same thought - God's plan for my life can't possibly revolve around my job. My life has been pretty easy. In fact, I'd say it's been really easy. The biggest loss I've had to bear is my father dying when I was 37 and I wasn't ready for him to be gone. I can only describe my life until now as protected. I feel that I have been routed around all the things that could have (and in some cases should have) gone terribly wrong. As I walk with Christ my Savior, I just know that there is a fantastic purpose for my existence. And I can say with reasonable certainty that it's not so that I can simply work at my job. There will be a type of perfection that will surround something that I do in my lifetime, because it will be exactly what God wants me to do.

If you're unsure about what God's plan might be for you, I'd suggest a heartfelt prayer. God hears the prayers of His people, but be advised He's not the genie in the lamp. He doesn't grant wishes. If you pray for something specific to happen in your life, you'll need to be patient and know that even though you're sure it's in your best interest, it might not be something God deems necessary for you right now. I've started praying that He would simply prepare me for what He'll need me to do, empower me to make decisions that honor Him, and equip me and strengthen me to fend off all the things satan will send at me to distract me.