Best Laid Plans

Have you ever planned an outdoor event just to have it postponed or canceled due to inclement weather?  Or perhaps you have had to change a lunch date with a friend because of an illness in the family or an unexpected work-related appointment.  No matter how meticulous we may be in orchestrating our monthly calendar; our plans often take a backseat to something that was completely unplanned.  But even when our plans change, we can always rest assured that God will work all things together for good (see Romans 8:28), according to His perfect will.

I am reminded of something one of my friends always says when she is making plans.  She prefaces the intended plan with the words, “Lord willing and the Creek don’t rise.”  In the 1800’s, people often used these words instead of responding with an affirmative yes, in accordance with James 4:15.  This scripture states, “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”  The second part of the phrase, “the Creek don’t rise,” also originated in the 1800’s.  Back then, there were 19 tribes of Native Americans who formed the Creek Confederacy.  If they were to have another uprising, a person’s plans may have been interrupted.  In the same way, things happen today that are beyond our control.

In fact, our plans sometimes change drastically, without warning.  Recently, a colleague was in a car accident when they hit a deer on the way to work one morning.  One friend of mine is battling breast cancer and another is facing brain cancer surgery.  There are so many similar stories out there of people enduring seemingly insurmountable struggles.  Life is an extraordinarily fragile and precious gift.  There is no guarantee of tomorrow.  But we can take comfort in the truth that lies within the words of the beloved song that says, “Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand.  But I know who holds tomorrow.  And I know who holds my hand.”

From personal experience, I can tell you that life does not always go as we plan.  My mom, three siblings, three grandparents, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends are in Heaven.  While I am so very happy for them to be rejoicing around God’s throne, I miss them greatly here on earth.  Nevertheless, I trust God’s will completely, as I know His ways are perfect.  When I pray, I have faith that He will work all things out according to His will, not my own.  Sometimes, His answer may be yes, sometimes no, and other times, He may ask me to wait patiently.  If you’re like me, it’s often hard to wait patiently.  We live in a society that wants everything now.  From fast food to high-speed internet, this world has conditioned us to get what we want without delay.  Yet many times the one thing we need is to slow down and watch God’s hand at work in our lives, for His timing is impeccable.

The Bible says the Lord considers a day to be like a thousand years and a thousand years like a day (2 Peter 3:8).  Therefore, we need to try to realize that everything we go through on earth is somewhat temporary.  2 Corinthians 4:17 says it best: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”  Although we encounter some very dark days on this journey called life, we can rest assured that something better awaits us.  Whether we are in a state of tears or triumph, we can take comfort in the fact that God has a perfect plan for us.

God loves us more than we could imagine.  God loved us so much that He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, so our sins could be washed away.  Jesus rose again on the third day and is sitting at the right hand of the Father, interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:34).  One glorious day, a trumpet will sound and everyone who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will be called up to meet our Lord in the air.  Everyone who believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life in Heaven (John 3:16).  The things on this earth will pass away, but Heaven will be our forever home.

So the next time someone asks you to make plans for lunch or dinner, or a myriad of other engagements, be sure to include God’s will on your calendar.  While you may not comprehend the way things work out, you can find sweet rest in the knowledge that God has everything under control.  He knows where we should be, when we should be there, and who we should be with at all times of the day.  His calendar is not measured in days or months, but in lifetimes throughout eternity.  Put your trust in Him today.  For the best laid plans are not made of times and dates, but of the eternal hope we have through Jesus Christ!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

What Am I Doing Here?

Treasures

When you were a small child, did you ever dream of being a treasure hunter?  Of being that lucky individual who would find the elusive treasure map, follow the trail, and claim a chest full of gold coins, jewelry, or other valuables.  I’m sure many of us would like to strike it rich, whether it is through the good fortune of finding a lost treasure, winning a cash prize, or receiving a large sum from a lucrative donor.  But for the vast majority, the odds of our finances skyrocketing to new heights are quite slim.  Nevertheless, there are treasures awaiting us if we just take the time to look for them.  God’s Creation is full of awesome wonders that reveal His love for us in the most unlikely ways.

Think about the sand dollar.  Have you ever swum down to the bottom of the ocean and pulled one of these unique sea urchins up to the surface?  Or maybe you found the dried skeleton of one of these creatures on the shore.  Have you ever looked inside one of these magnificent works of art?  God, in His infinite wisdom, designed this creature so that it could breathe through pores that are arranged in a petal-like pattern.  He also gave it spines, so it could move about the seabed.  Perhaps the greatest feature of an sand dollar is the Aristotle’s lantern inside that functions as the sand dollar’s teeth.  For these amazing objects are shaped like tiny little doves.  Imagine...inside one of God’s intricate sea creatures, He placed miniature replicas of one of His beautiful birds of the air.  Surely this was not an accident, but instead, it was part of His divine plan.

Did you know that doves mate for life?  A female or male dove will not search for a second mate until the first one is no longer living.  They also cooperate and work together to build the nest for their young.  They are the true epitome of loyalty and devotion to one another.  Jesus told His disciples to emulate their behavior when he told them to be “innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16 NIV).  Even God trusted a dove to bring the olive branch back to Noah to let him and his family know that the waters had receded and that it was safe to return to the land.  Without doubt, this special species is a symbol of peace and is a treasure in the sky.  God trusted a dove with an important task, but I have a question for you and me.  Can He trust us?  Do we follow His guidance as the dove did after the flood?  Or do we whine and complain when He tells us what we should do?  Sometimes, it is easier to follow a treasure map than to blaze an uncharted trail as we follow the Holy Spirit’s leading.  Inevitably, though, it is through devotion to God that we will find genuine and enduring treasure.

Some people spend their whole entire lives looking for treasure, or searching for fame and fortune.  In the end, what truly matters is what we have done for the cause of Christ.  The things we accumulate in this world will not last.  Although many people have tried through the centuries, you cannot take anything with you when you leave this world and enter into Heaven or Hell.  Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV) says, “‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’”  You see, friends, you and I need to focus on the important things in life that will have eternal value.  These are the things that will last.  Instead of worrying about the kind of car we drive, the clothes we wear, or the food we eat, we need to focus on what we can do to share the love of Jesus Christ with everyone we meet.  The Bible says that our Heavenly Father knows our basic needs and that He will supply them (Matthew 6:32).  He knows our needs before we even ask.

What about you?  Are you tired of searching for a treasure that you cannot seem to find?  I don’t know what you may be going through in your life at this very moment, but I can tell you that I am 100% certain that Jesus Christ knows exactly what struggles you face.  He knows if you are dealing with financial burdens, physical or emotional battles, or something so difficult that you cannot even put it into words.  Just like He will provide for the sand dollars of the sea and the doves of the air, He will provide for you.  He knows your heart.  He knows if you are hurting.  Jesus Christ loves you so much that He gave His life for you (see John 3:16).  Call on the name of Jesus Christ today.  For the greatest treasure that any man can ever hold on this earth is not a chest full of gold, but the priceless knowledge that they have a personal relationship with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

We're Gonna Make It!

Today, my students were reading a story about a man who found himself in a fishing boat that was sinking.  The termites had quickly begun eating the wood of the boat, compromising the hull.  Instead of immediately trying to find a solution to the problem at hand, he began to panic.  In fact, his first remark was, “We’re not going to make it.”  Eventually, he made an attempt to fix the gaping hole in the hull of the boat, and they made it safely to the shore.  By overcoming his fears, he managed to emerge victorious.

While this is simply a children’s story, I feel that it applies to our everyday lives as well.  So often we find ourselves in difficult situations, uncertain of what we should do.  We become frustrated and our ability to think clearly fades significantly.  Many times, our first inclination is to give up.  That is the easy way out.  Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  With Christ on our side, we don’t have to admit defeat.  Instead, we can confidently declare, “We’re gonna make it!”

How many times this week have you said, “I can’t?”  If you’re like me, I’m sure these two infamous words have graced your lips at least once.  As humans, we are imperfect.  We struggle and sometimes we fail.  But even when we face difficult times, we can rest assured that everything will be alright.  Romans 8:28 tells us that “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”  Bear in mind that this does not mean that everything will be good.  Instead, it means that everything we do will work together for our good.  God will never leave us hanging.  If we trust Him, He will ensure that our lives fit perfectly into His perfect will and His plan for our lives.

What struggles are you going through at this very moment in your life?  Are you trying desperately to lose weight?  Is it becoming more and more difficult to pay your bills each month?  Do you worry daily about someone in your family who is going through a physical or emotional battle?  I want to encourage you right now wherever you are.  God has not forgotten you.  He knows exactly what mountain you may be facing or what river you may be crossing.  Look around.  He is standing right next to you.  He will never let you fall.  He will help you remove all doubt.  Hold on to His hand and never, ever let go.

This world is ever-changing.  The news is full of sad, heart-wrenching stories of people around the world who are hurting, starving, or ailing.  There are those who are scared or depressed.  And some of them simply want to throw in the towel.   But even through the wars, famines, and destruction, we have a Hope that reaches beyond the most hopeless situations.  God’s hand is upon you and me.  He will be our Shelter from the storm.  He will catch us when we fall.  He will keep our ship afloat.  And no matter what comes our way, we can boldly proclaim, “We’re gonna make it!”

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Life: You Can’t Do It Alone

Sometimes, life is too complicated.  There are often so many layers of our existence that we barely have time to even breathe, sleep, and eat.  Many of us spend the majority of our time at work, and then we come home to our “real life,” where we then have to take care of laundry, dishes, cleaning, children, e-mails, and so many other weekly tasks.  It’s almost as if our jobs interfere with our lives, isn’t it?  I mean, we go to work all day, come home, and that’s when our day truly starts.  Then, we go to bed at night, just to do it all over again the next day.  How can we ensure that our time is equally important, whether we are at work or at home?  The answer is simple.  We can put everything in God’s hands.  He can make the most strenuous, time-consuming work become meaningful.  And He can provide strength, so that you are refreshed and renewed when you come home, enabling you to accomplish much more than you ever could on your own.  You see, with God on your side, you don’t have to do this thing called “life” alone.

Two years ago, I felt like I was trying to do everything for everyone and all the while, doing it all alone.  I continually strived to get everything done, but never asked anyone for help.  I thought I was more than capable of completing the daily tasks on my own, but I was completely wrong.  It became so much of a burden that I began to get very stressed out.  The loss of my Mom had caused my patience to gradually fade away.  Because of this, every little thing got under my skin, so to speak.  While I was doing a balancing act, figuratively spinning an incredible number of plates in the air, I found myself seeking new tasks, or plates to add to my collection.  I literally volunteered for everything, seeking to fill the void in my life.  I felt if I got busy enough, it would relieve me of some of the sorrow.  If I took on enough responsibilities, life would be busier, but less complicated.  If I filled my schedule full enough, I wouldn’t have time to think about the virtual cloud hanging over my head.

Sadly, I was entirely wrong.  The more responsibilities I took on, the more stressed out I became.  The more stressed out I became, the less sleep I was able to get.  The less sleep I was able to get, the thinner my patience became.  The thinner my patience became, well, I ended up being somewhat like a pressure cooker about to explode.  At least, that’s the analogy a friend of mine gave me when I confided in her about my attempts to fill the void in my life.  I couldn’t understand why God would take my Mama away.  I tried and tried, but I could not wrap my head around the reason for such a tragic event in my life.  What was I to do?  How could I get through each day if there was any down time whatsoever?  Downtime meant time to think, and time to think meant time to think about the void in my life.

Through my experiences, along with much time spent in prayer and the study of God’s Word, I gradually realized that I was not in accordance with God’s will for my life.  I did not have to do this alone.  That, and the fact that I needed to stop spending all of my time thinking about what was bothering me.  Instead, I needed to think on positive things.  Philippians 4:8 (NIV) says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  You see, I was thinking about the negative aspects in my life.  I thought about how I did not know how to get all of my daily tasks completed each day.  I thought about how I wished my Mom had not passed away.  I thought about how life was not the way I planned, and how everything seemed to be going wrong.

Instead of thinking about the things that were wrong, I have since realized that I should have been thinking about the things that were right.  Instead of worrying about the things that were not going according to my plans, I could have been delighting in God’s plan for my life.  In life, we often do not see the big picture, but God sees our entire lifespan.  He knows all of our comings and goings, even before we have come or gone.  He truly does know what is best.  He wants us to live a life of joy.  He wants us to think positive thoughts, full of truth, nobility, rightness, purity, loveliness, admiralty, excellence, and praiseworthiness.  Doesn’t that sound better than thinking thoughts of negativity, falseness, and impurity, just to name a few?  Surely, we want to think on positive things.  Still, there are times when the worries and cares of this life outweigh the positive aspects of life.  In these times of distress, we need to call on the One who created us, the One who created our ability to think.  God can give you a mind-set of joy for your journey and peace that passes all understanding.

Along my journey, I still have moments when I momentarily fall into the trap of negative thinking.  I wish I could tell you I had found the method to avoid such thinking altogether.  What I have found is that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Although things in my life may change, whether it is friends moving away or loved ones passing away, I know that He will never change.  And I will never be alone.  He is always with me.  It doesn’t matter if I am sitting in silence in my bed at night, or if I am at work with a list of a million tasks to be completed.  He is with me.  It doesn’t even matter if I am at my wit’s end, building up steam like a pressure cooker.  He is with me.  He overlooks my shortcomings, my outbursts, and my attempts to do this thing called “life” on my own.  Why?  Because Jesus loves me unconditionally, even my imperfections.

So, the next time you find yourself at the end of your rope, call on the name of Jesus.  He will do the same for you.  Jesus loves you more than you can imagine.  Begin thinking positive thoughts, and you will be amazed at what positive changes take place in your life.  Don’t try to do it all alone.  Ask Jesus to help you.  He is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.  Whenever you need Him, He is waiting with open arms.  If you feel like you’re taking on too many responsibilities, seek God’s plan for your life.  He knows which things you should be doing and which ones you would be better off leaving for someone else.  And when you do accept a task, ask God to help you.  He’s already been there, so He’ll know the best way to handle things.  Will you allow God to be a part of your life, directing your paths and helping you through this thing called “life?”  Or will you go it alone, gradually building up steam until you explode?  It is my prayer that you will allow God to be the Lord of your life, your help in times of trouble.  He longs to help you.  Ask Him for help.  Why?  Because life’s too complicated to do it all alone.

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer