As a child we learn that to accomplish a task, we usually need a plan. We’re soon off and running, planning for birthdays and holidays. Later, we plan how to snag the best job, find the best wife or husband, how to make the most money. We even plan how to get the most esteem from others, indeed how to make the most out of our talents, skills and abilities. The list of our “planning” goes on and on.

Ah, but wait a minute. As children of God, i.e. Christians, we first need to consult with our Father. When we foolishly start our endeavors, without consulting Him in earnest prayer, we are usually setting ourselves up for disappointment.

As a young man I had dreams of making a high school romance last “forever.” I prayed to God that He would let that happen. I can hear His laughter as He knew that would have been disastrous. Yet that same girl led me to the one I married. I do believe my prayer was answered because she has given me unconditional love from day one.

Another plan was to work hard, to earn enough to have no money issues. When I finished high school, I rejected my dad’s offer to go to college. I knew I was smart enough, but I thought I would fail. So I took my first job as a laborer. I planned to work hard, to save enough to be able to marry, have kids, rent a decent place, and yes, never worry about money! I still hear Gods laughter. I started as a highway laborer at $92.00 a week. Yes, I was a naïve kid. Finally I prayed earnestly for God to help me, not by winning an Irish Sweepstakes as mom might pray, but by showing me what was best. His answer was, why did it take you so long to ask?

My wife and I never forgot that God does indeed have a sense of humor, especially when we make plans without consulting Him first. We learned to honor Him even when He says no, not that way, and shows us a better way to achieve our goals. Amen?

Remember God loves YOU unconditionally.

Maranatha,
Joey

“In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9