“God had bigger plans for me than I had for myself,” the character in the movie said. I’ve been thinking about that line ever since.

    When I look at the tapestry of my life, I can see God’s hand weaving the threads together. Over the years I have made many mistakes, but there aren’t any flaws in His weaving. Jesus’ death on the cross unraveled my mistakes and knit the single strands back together into the unique design He has in mind for me. Looking at what He has woven in my past is fairly easy; it’s looking ahead that’s hard.

    I want God to be the weaver of my life. That is truly my heart’s intent. Yet, when I pray I find myself telling Him how the finished product should look. When I look into my desired future, I see:

• continued growth as a Christian
• success with my writing
• all five kids through college
• all five kids marrying faithful Christians
• lots of healthy grandchildren
• retirement and travel with my husband.

    There’s nothing wrong with asking for those things. However, I also realize that my wishes may not be His wishes. When things don’t turn out the way I’d hope, it doesn’t necessarily mean that I’ve failed. We mortals are so visually attuned to our definition success, that we tend to think if we don’t win the prize, get the trophy, or win the award, then we haven’t made a difference. That just isn’t true.

    I went to a funeral last week. As I looked around the crowded room, I couldn’t help wonder if the lady who died knew what an impact she’d had on others. She and her husband didn’t have any children, but she was a teacher for forty-five years. She was also active in church and in community service. She fed the hungry, cared for the sick, visited the shut-ins, and continued to do so until her years and her health finally slowed her down.

She remembered that “our plan” is not “His plan.”

    She definitely made a huge difference in many lives. Yet I sure she had times in her life when she wondered if all the good things she tried to do really mattered. She probably had moments of feeling insignificant in a world where only a handful of movie stars and athletes are recognized for their accomplishments. She may have even asked herself, “Why do I even try?”

    This lady was a Christian. After her moment of doubt, she remembered that “our plan” is not “His plan.” She remembered the crown of thorns, the bitter gall, and the way they spit upon our Savior and mocked Him. She remembered that there were thousands of angels in heaven just waiting for him to call out to them, to rush to his rescue. He didn’t call them. He didn’t resist. Why? Because no matter what He wanted, His death on the cross was God’s plan. Remember what the Holy Spirit said? “We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side of God’s throne!” (Hebrews 12:2 CEV) The Spirit reminds us that God used Jesus’ suffering to do something great for others! “It was only right that God — who made everything and for whom everything was made — should bring his many children into glory. Through the suffering of Jesus, God made him a perfect leader, one fit to bring them into their salvation.” (Hebrews 2:10 NLT)

    When you are discouraged and feeling insignificant... when things don’t go the way you think they should... when life seems unfair... when the good guys don’t win... when suffering and pain seem beyond what you can bear... remember that even when you don’t understand, God always has a plan for you. In fact, His plan is likely much bigger than the one you have! Don’t despair; he will not fail you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). In fact, he never quits working in you and empowering you (Philippians 2:13), for your good (Romans 8:28), and His glory (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Title: "Beyond My Plan to His"
Author: Teresa Bell Kindred, http://www.teresakindred.com
Publication Date: March 19, 2002

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