How deep are God's plans for me?

I've been going through my calendar this morning, looking at the future, planning stuff. I covered a lot of ground…ministry vision, personal goals, family events, future vacations and financial plans. Some of that is exciting, some is mundane, quite a bit of it is intimidating. Then in my reading of Romans 11:33-35 I read this:

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:33-36 (New International Version)

So, the Holy Spirit spoke this to me.

• God is deeper than anything I can imagine. He is richer, wiser and more knowledgeable than any man.
• God is greater than I can understand. His judgments, paths, thinking and plans exceed my most clever, thoughtful ideas. He’s never need anyone’s advice, including mine.
• God is more generous than I can comprehend. Everything that I have in life or ever will receive in life will come from his hand.

So, as I consider my future I learn some valuable lessons. What will happen to me in the future will all happen according to God’s all-embracing plan. My calendar and planning is not in control, God is. His wisdom, judgment and resources will lead and provide for me as I move through life. I do not need to fear that in following Him I will suffer loss. Sure, there will be times I don’t know what to do, times I don’t know where the money’s coming from, times when I am hurting and times that I may be afraid. But, I’m planning now that when those times come that I’ll do my best to trust in Him. This scripture ends with this amazing thought…”For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.” Everything is about Him, not about me! “To Him be the glory forever!” God will do what’s best for me, it’s to His glory to do so. We can trust Him.

How about you? I’d like to hear from you about how life is going as you trust God’s wisdom, judgments and resources. Where’s your greatest challenges and victories coming as you trust God?

Someone's going to get hurt!

I’m watching my two grandsons age two and three running around the room. They’re getting reckless and rougher. With great insight I proclaim: “Someone’s going to get hurt!” I’m ignored, and I’m right…bodies collide, and tears flow. I’m there to pick them, wipe away the snot, and explain why it all happened. Before you know it, they are laughing and playing again.

I thought of that today when I read of the disciples and Jesus in Matthew 26.

Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: "'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' ³² But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." Matthew 26:31-32 (New International Version)

Jesus told the disciples “you are going to fall and get hurt.” Peter and the disciples assured Jesus He doesn’t know how strong they are, that they are careful and know themselves better than that. They even got boastful…

Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same. Matthew 26:35

As the evening progress Jesus gave them the solution to keep themselves; pray to overcome temptation…

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Matthew 26:41

Jesus knows their intentions are great, they really want to stand by him, but the fact is they are not all they thought, and spiritually are weak. We know the story…they didn’t pray, they slept. Judas the and the mob arrive for Jesus and the disciples run. Peter denies Christ and everyone’s left crying and devastated.

But the words of Jesus, ring through their failure: “But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

Here’s what Jesus’ saying (my paraphrase) “You are going to fall even though I’ve given you the way to overcome. When it’s all over I’ll be waiting for you on the other side.

Here’s what I learned: God knows the temptations and trials I will face in the future, near and far in the distance. He has plans for me to overcome and win. Waiting on Him in prayer overcomes the weakness of my flesh. But I assume my good intentions, past victories, and strength will be enough to win the day. Sadly, that is not the case. Sometimes I ignore both His warnings and offer of help.

He also knows when I’m going to fail. He does not design failure for me, nor does He prevent it, I'm a free man. But He has plans for that also. He is going ahead of me and will meet me on the other side of my crash. He picks me up, wipes away the snot and explains why it all happened. Soon, I’m on my way, hopefully a better man who will heed what He says to me in the future. I serve a savior who does not give up on me!

One of the guys shared this in our Men’s LifeGroup today and I’ll close with it:

Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. 21 You will increase my honor and comfort me once again. 22 I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness. Psalm 71:20-22b

I’d like to hear from you, how has Jesus picked you up after a fall? What did you learn from it?