Proverbs 16:9

Sons;

Today's verse in class was Proverbs 16:9 - "The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."  This idea has been used enough that it almost seems cliche, but it really does make a good point - how any day ends may not be the way we think it will.  Yesterday, for us, is a very good example.  When I got out of bed I didn't think that, within two hours, I would be sitting in an emergency room.  I had planned to do quite different things - my "way for the day" had been set out.  God, however, had other plans.  

That is a constant in life, as we never know where the adventure of being a Christian, a man, a husband, a father, will take us.  Sometimes it is good, sometimes not, sometimes in-between and totally neutral.  We can trust, however, that God is indeed directing us; He tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 that He has a plan for our welfare, not our destruction.  Every place He takes us, whatever He has us do, both furthers His plan for creation in some way and will work out to our best.  That is a promise we can count on!

So, how do we live in a world where our plans can get upended at any moment?  First, be flexible.  Be willing to adjust to whatever happens with grace, kindness, and helpfulness.  Usually when things change, it's a bit stressful for everyone, so we must act in such a way as to not add to that stress - rather, we should be doing what we can to lower the stress and help everyone out, while being the example of adapting to whatever.  Second, we need to learn that our plans are usually not that important.  If we end up not going to do something, it's not that big a deal, we can do it again another time.  If we cannot get some thing we want, then it's okay as it's only a thing - easily replaceable - and not worth a fuss.  Much of our lives is "day-to-day," and we can work around what we need to.  

In the end, however, it does come back to trust.  Trust that God knows what He's doing and that it is good for you in the long run, and you can deal with whatever changes come along in your day!

Love,

Dad