His Plans, Not Mine

The news from the surgeon had not been good, and to complicate an already difficult situation, it would be a while before they could schedule the surgery required to deal with the daily pain I was experiencing.

In this instant society that we live in, there were no instant answers — so I would have to learn to wait. As I shared the news with friends and family the overwhelming response was, “Oh that’s terrible!”

And for a few moments I agreed! I had put on a brave front all day.

Then, in the quiet moments before I turned off the light for the night, I opened my Bible and my eyes fell on the words I had marked up the night before…. The Lord will work out his plans for my life…. Really Lord? Even now? Even with this new news? …. I felt His confirmation in my spirit: Yes child, even now.

Nothing had changed. He was still the same God, and He was still sovereign and in control. He had made me and there was nothing that was a surprise to Him, therefore I could depend on Him. He wasn’t going to abandon me because, after all, He had made me.

As I read on that night, I came to Psalm 139. It was as if I was reading the words for the first time again. "You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am" (verse 3). I was stopping and resting a lot those days, due to the pain, but God already knew that and I could trust and depend on Him.

Falling asleep that night my heart was singing and remembering, "How precious are your thoughts about me, Oh God!" (Psalm 139:17a). I knew then that I could trust in His plans, not mine!

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to depend on you regardless of the situation I am facing today or the pain that I am in. May I remember that your promises have not changed and that I need to wait on you, as you have told me to be obedient to your Word and to remember always that you are still in control, and that I can depend on you to do exactly what you promised to do. Amen.

Go Deeper ― What situation or circumstance are you facing today that you need to depend on God for His perfect timing and work in your life or in the life of those you love? Say out loud Psalm 138:8 and Pslam 139:17a as you commit the situation to Him and remember that He will indeed work out his plans for your life.