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Serene Sunday

Serene Sunday

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Making Plans and Detours

We know, that in life, if we want to get things done, we need to make plans. I remember a phrase that I was told when I was attempting to sell a product – ‘Plan your work – and – work your plan’. It’s a good philosophy. But, what happens when no matter what you plan – there are detours placed in your life? Do you let these things upset you or do you trust in God?

Dream Lives

If we had our way, we’d never experience pain, loss, disappointments or fear. As children we could play at being grown ups – remember playing house or board games – Life and such….we dreamed of what it would be like to be an adult and how idyllic life would be, when we grow up. But, then we do grow up, we realize that our plans and dreams don’t always come to fruition. 

Detours

I was speaking with a friend on how sometimes in life we have to deal with very difficult and painful events. Those that turn our plans and hopes upside down. She shared that she’d been experiencing what she called ‘detours’ in her life – events that took her of her planned path. We then discussed that having God lead in our lives – these detours were part of what we needed to get us where He wanted us to go.

This is Not What I Planned

Sometimes these detours come as very painful losses – things if we’d have our ‘druthers, we wouldn’t choose to experience pain or loss at all. But, perhaps, what comes our way is not for us, but for another. 

Sympathy and Empathy

You know the phrase, ‘I feel your pain’. Well, God gifted me with such a sense of sympathy for those hurting – I really do feel their pain. Sometimes, though, God takes me through a very difficult situation so that down the road, I could truly ’empathize‘ with someone. When going through a difficult situation, it is those who’ve walked that path before – especially those with a relationship with God, who can truly help us to see what’s important. 

God is Still in Control

One of our favorite movies is ‘The Robe’. Near the very end one of the main characters tells Caesar, ‘He (Jesus) is my King and he is your King too.’ Jesus is King over all. He died for all and He loves every one of us. It is up to us to choose Him. God has a plan – the true BIG Picture. We can’t see every thing nor should we want to. But, we can always have confidence that God knows what He is doing and He is in control.

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Isaiah 53:3

He Knows Our Sorrows and Pain

When we go through painful, difficult times we can feel so alone – that we may have caused this difficulty – that no one else has gone through what we’re going through. But, thank God, we are not alone. EVER. He knows how much we may be hurting. That is why He gives of Himself. I think of Daniel and Joseph. They experienced extreme trials in their life. We imagine how they handled these events. I am sure, they were no different than us. They experienced fear, pain and loneliness. But, what carried them through, and can us, is a complete trust and faith in God. A – I will serve the LORD – NO MATTER WHAT. 

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:29 

Jesus Will Walk Alongside Us

One of my favorite passages is where Jesus prays for us in John chapter 17. He always had us on His heart and mind. We are the reason He willingly came to the cross. He knew too that when His time here on earth was done we’d need a comforter and we’d need an advocate. The Holy Spirit dwells within us – we can have peace, joy and comfort from God himself. Jesus is continually speaking on our behalf. We can have confidence in this.

But For a Short Time

What difficulty we’re experiencing may be magnified for the moment. But, it is just that – a moment in light of eternity. Our lives here are wonderful and wonderfully short. Our time with God will last for so much longer – so, what’s most important is the investment we make into our eternity. To know, God is in control, He has a plan, He knows our sorrows, and He gives of Himself to walk alongside us through this life. We have purpose in all areas of our lives. Take your pain, take your sorrow and ask God, ‘how can I help someone else? What can I learn.’  God will show you – He will use you for greatness for Himself…isn’t that amazing! He can make beauty from ashes, just completely trust in God – NO MATTER WHAT!

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