Extended VictorySample

Our plans are great, God's plans are greater

First Read: Nehemiah 9:17-19 and Isaiah 55: 7-9

Our plans are not necessarily God's plans. He has much greater things planned for us than we can imagine, and He will accomplish them in ways so grand and unexpected that in retrospect we can only marvel at how great God is. 

But because our perspective is so much more limited than God's, we also keep stumbling and doubting that something can happen that seems impossible to us. For example, when siblings fall out and the fronts are so hardened that the parties involved haven't spoken a word to each other in years, it's hard for us to still believe in a happy ending. 

Of course, it is frustrating when we feel that a situation has not changed for years. But just because we don't see change doesn't mean God isn't working. We don't see Him working on people's hearts, but when a window opens, we should be ready to do our part. In the case of family disputes, weddings or births can be turning points that cause the parties to move toward each other. It is equally possible that God is planning a much greater miracle and will not only ensure that the quarreling parties settle their dispute, but that they will become a blessing to those around them with their history and experience. 

In other areas of life, too, it is clear that God's perspective is so much larger and more comprehensive than ours. While we may measure professional success by our salary or job title, God looks at what we can accomplish in our job. He provides for us regardless of what's on our paycheck at the end of the month. But He also wants us to live out our calling, and to do that, we sometimes have to take paths that seem far too difficult. However, if we give God the opportunity to lead us on the path He has prepared for us, He can take us to heights that were unthinkable to us.

Prayer, Get Free and Next Step: In what areas of your life are you dissatisfied or feel like you are treading water? Ask the Holy Spirit today what He has planned for you and thank Him.