“And Mary said, ‘Behold, the Lord’s bond-servant; may it be done to me according to your word’” (Luke 1:38 NASB).
Have you ever had an aspect of your life carefully planned out only to be thwarted by people or circumstances beyond your control? How do you respond when someone or something wrecks your sensible plans? Sickness, family feuds, weather, and all variety of unwelcome interruptions can ruin our idea of how life—especially our holidays—should play out.
I wonder how Mary felt when an angel’s visit turned her marriage plans upside down. Trusting God when plans fall apart becomes easier when we remember His wisdom. Applying 1 Corinthians 1:25 (NLT) helps me relax when life doesn’t play out as I think it should.
“This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.”
Paul is referring to the plan of salvation. Crucifying God’s son to save a bunch of sinners certainly sounds foolish. But God’s foolish plan works where the best human plans fail. Since we know that’s true, let’s apply it to everyday life.
“Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you”. Psalm 37:5 NLT
NASB reads, “Trust also in Him, and He will do it.”
When Your Plans Fall Apart
How does this apply to thwarted plans? As someone who wants to walk with God, I must commit all my plans to Him. That’s my part in the prayer, “Your will be done” (Matthew 6:10).
When we commit our plans to the Lord, we surrender our ideas of how God should work. He’s in charge, not us. This takes us back to 1 Corinthians 1:25. When I commit my plans to God I can rest. No matter how messy the process or how many setbacks arise, I can remind myself that God is accomplishing something far superior to my puny plans.
This doesn’t mean I’m passive. It means I keep my eyes glued on Him. I trust Him to direct my steps instead of clinging to my idea of how life should work.
When have you seen God override your ideas with a “foolish plan” that turned out better than anything you could have imagined? I hope your holidays go smoothly. However, if they don’t, remember that God’s way often appears foolish, but is always better than ours. Just ask Mary.
Have you ever had an aspect of your life carefully planned out only to be thwarted by people or circumstances beyond your control? #Christmas, #Trust Share on XIf you’re in the Cary, NC area, I’d love to see you at the Knowing God luncheon this Thursday.
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Blessings,
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Life interruptions happen..we will fall apart unless we commit ourselves to Him and that He is wiser than we are. It’s complicated for sure.
Marilyn, we have to constantly remember He is wiser than we are!
I’m reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6 that tells us not lean on our own understanding but to trust God. His ways can lead us better than we can imagine.
Great verse to practice!
Oh Debbie I can’t even count how many times God interrupted my plans and gave me something so much better! Over the years I have learned to trust he knows best and whatever he gives me will be above and beyond what i thought I wanted!
Ann, I’ve actually had some fun thinking about some of those! One included meeting my husband!
Thank you Debbie! Such a great devotional! Let go and let God. Hardest part is letting go sometimes.
Yes it is. That’s why I found this verse to be so helpful.
I get frustrated when I seek God in making plans and then those plans are thwarted. But sometime interruptions are part of His plan. They are a needed reminder that my time and schedule are his.
Good point! When we seek in our plans it seems those plans should go smoothly!
Such a good message for this time of years. Merry Christmas to you and your family!!
Thank you, Meade. Always good to hear from you. God bless!
Great message Debbie. I’ve learned that God’s plans are better than the one I develop. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas, Yvonne!
As I sit in the middle of one of those “Fall Aparts,” 1 Cor. 1:25 certainly helps me put this moment in time into perspective. Your post lifts and strengthens me. Thanks, Debbie!
Candyce, I’m sorry you’re in the pain of that time. Thankful God gives us hope for how He’ll use it.
One of the great silver linings of aging has been trusting Him with the plans – you are so right – not passively – but when “my” plans veer off the path I’ve outlined, I’ve learned to trust and get back in the passenger seat – LOL. Understanding that with my adult children redeems me from all mothering things that come with being the mother of grown children and it is no longer my job to shepherd them without permission. His plans are gifts throughout the year – not just on Christmas! Wishing you and your Merry Christmas Blessings!
Well said, Maryleigh! Merry Christmas to you and yours.