People plan their path, but the LORD secures their steps.
Reflection
I’m often awestruck by what God has done in my life. At 22, I had my life mapped out. I imagined where I’d live, what I’d be doing, what even what my family might look like. I had a plan. But when I look around now, hardly anything aligns with my original expectations. For instance, and I admit this kind of sheepishly, I never imagined I’d end up in New Jersey. If you’d told me back then that this place would become my home, I probably would have laughed. But now? I love it here.
When I listen to celebrity interviews, I hear them mention twists of fate that led to their success – chance meetings with people who helped to open the door, or someone unexpectedly putting a spotlight on their work. They often chalk it up to luck or good timing, but I see something deeper.
Don’t get me wrong, our own plans are important. Without them, we’d end up wandering aimlessly. But I’m convinced that the very best things that happen to us in life aren’t the things we plan for. They’re the things that just happen. In those moments, I see the hand and the gift of God. We can make all the plans we want, but sometimes we just need to have the patience to trust that God knows what we need.
by Joe Monahan
For Pondering and Prayer
When you think back over your life, are there twists and turns that were unexpected? Where have you seen God’s provision and protection at work to guide your steps? Take a few moments today to work at memorizing this verse so that it becomes part of your way of understanding and living.
Prayer: God, when we feel stuck, confused, impatient, or frustrated that our plans aren’t working out, remind us of this scripture. Help us to trust that you are the one who guides our steps and makes them secure. Amen.
