Have you ever heard the saying ‘Man plans and God laughs’?
While this is of course not a quote from the Bible, I think that a few of my hare-brained plans over the years have given God a chuckle or two.
I’m definitely the planning type and I feel really uncomfortable in the midst of uncertainty. I like comfort, constants, and being certain. I think just about everyone does.
But life isn’t like that, is it?
When I was a little girl, I was determined that I was going to grow up and be a doctor. I held desperately to this plan for nearly ten years, reading all kinds of books on medicine and researching universities with the best pre-med programs. Out of fear of change and a longing for consistency, I pushed forward in determination.
It took many years before I let go of a dream that was never really meant for me. I found myself surprised that I had a niche in the world of language arts, and fell in love with the written word. And with each day that passed, and each book I read, or piece that I wrote, two things became apparent: 1) I had very little natural skill when it came to science or math, and 2) I had a lot of hidden skill and passion for writing. Once embraced, that passion and skill flourished.
And then I planned on becoming a teacher. I began work towards a dream of an English degree, and teaching out of my love of reading and writing. But my plans took a big turn when I found myself pregnant at the age of eighteen. Dreams put on hold, and absolutely terrified because of the uncertain future ahead of me, I began to realize that as hard as I planned and longed for an easy, straightforward life, it wasn’t going to always turn out that way.
Knowing what I know now, I am convinced that none of the things that have surprised me over the years were ever a surprise to God. He was not surprised by my love for writing, He fostered that love in me. He was also not surprised at all with the sweet baby who halted my plans. In fact, He placed him perfectly in my womb.
Nothing surprises our loving, all-knowing heavenly Father. When we encounter times of uncertainty and even fear, we can rest assured that God knows the days ahead of us. And if we have placed our hope in Him, we can trust that He will work each event that touches our life for our good and His glory.
So instead of the saying ‘Man plans, and God laughs’, I like this verse better:
‘Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.’ -Proverbs 19:21 (ESV)
God has faithfully walked alongside His people, His most precious creation, for all of humanity’s time. He has lovingly shepherded them, carefully disciplined them, and opened His arms to welcome them back to Him. He provided us a way to eternity, His own Son.
I’m back in an uncertain season, but I find so much comfort in knowing that whatever lays ahead of me, God already knows. And not only does He know what is going to happen, He knows exactly how to walk me through it. I am so thankful for my faithful God.
Are you in the middle of a season filled with uncertainty? Do you feel fearful when you look forward to the days ahead?
Well momma, rest easy. There is hope to be found for you, in the hope-filled arms of our most loving God.
