Recently, Matt and I and the kids were driving somewhere. I don’t even remember where, but we were using my phone to follow directions. We had literally no idea where we were, but we kept following the directions step by step. And wouldn’t you know? It brought us right to our destination. If we wouldn’t have followed the phone’s instructions or trusted that the GPS system knew the right way to go, we would have given up. Had we given up, we would have missed our destination.
Following Jesus is a lot like following the map on our phones. We can’t always clearly see the path, but if we trust the One guiding us, we’ll make it to the right destination because God always has a plan.
Jesus’ Plan
I read the familiar story of the loaves and the fishes this past week, and there were a few words that stuck with me.
Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do.
John 6:5,6
Did you catch those words? Jesus was testing Philip. He already knew what He was going to do, but He used it as a time to test Philip. Jesus already had a plan.
Trusting in the Unexpected
How many times does something come into our life that’s unexpected, and it completely derails us because we didn’t see it coming. We feel sick, feel like we’re not going to make it through. We question how God could allow this to happen; and yet, He knew it was coming. It’s already part of our story, part of His plan. He knows how He’s going to use it and help us through it. He simply wants to see if we’re going to trust Him through it.
How many times do we fail the test? How many times do we lose our cool, fail to trust Him and see the good? So many of the problems that come into our lives honestly don’t end up being as big of a deal as we think they’re going to be.
Trusting His Plans, Not Ours
When life seems to throw a curveball, don’t forget that God knows exactly what’s going on. Maybe it’s not that big of a problem. Maybe your day derails; maybe you haven’t been able to sleep for several nights now. Perhaps the finances are terrible, and you feel like you’re losing the battle. Maybe it’s that you’re so discouraged, and you can’t seem to shake those thoughts of sadness. Whatever the case is, remember that God knows exactly what you’re going through, and He has a way through for you. He’s going to continue to work in your life and work out His plans for your life. Notice He’s not working out our plans for our lives; there’s a difference.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life—
Psalm 138:8 NLT
I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: my plan will take place, and I will do all my will.
Isaiah 46:10
You Are Not Alone
We won’t get through this life problem free. Jesus told us we would have problems or tribulation in this world. And yet, He promises to walk through those problems with us. We will pass through waters that overwhelm us and fires that threaten to destroy us, but He won’t let us be destroyed. He will walk through those waters and fires with us.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you,
and the rivers will not overwhelm you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be scorched,
and the flame will not burn you.Isaiah 43: 2 CSB
Whatever you’re facing today, remember you’re not alone. Don’t forget, the God who made the universe and mapped out the galaxies, is walking hand in hand with you. He’s working out the plans He has for your life. And let me tell you something…those plans are beautiful and so much greater than anything you could dream of for your own life.
So keep trusting, keep walking in faith, keep believing because the God who created you is the God who is holding you and working out His plans for your life today.
More Encouragement
For more encouragement, check out my post, Trusting God in the Dark. A great Bible study on this topic would be Daily Grace Co’s When Fear Meets Faith.
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