Never forget!! You may make plans but The Lord allows you to make those steps. There are many stages of understanding we walk through as a Christian. For me the first was just basic believing in Jesus. Next came trying to be a better person –to make Him proud, like I would my earthly father. Then came studying His word, so that I could know what “making Him proud” even looked like. Next up was giving up parts of my life to His Will. 

Because, as we all come to find out in our faith walk, sometimes the things we want are not the same as the things God wants for us. Sometimes we find out the easy way and sometimes the hard way. But sometimes, all we get is a feeling.

 Christians, we call that the holy spirit in us, that still small voice, that when we listen and allow guides us towards Gods will. Non-believers, you might call that intuition, karma, street-smarts, the universe, or just sheer luck.

But no matter your beliefs, it takes huge faith to step out of your comfort zone and into the unknown. This step from perceived safety;a secure job; a secure relationship; the state you live in; the people you know—whatever you are transitioning from—takes a huge leap of faith in whatever you believe in to carry you to the next phase in your life.

For me that leap of faith is trusting in God’s plan, and not my own. I’m praying to willingly allow Him to lead my path and allow myself to step out of my own way.

As a positive flesh person, defined as one who finds strength within themselves and is typically an “I can” person,  I am most always comfortably three steps ahead of myself with two back up plans and much certainty in my decisions, but in this season I realize how much God has left unknown to me ON PURPOSE so that I can not do what I do best —PLAN.

It’s a place I don’t sit well; feeling like I’m not making effort, hearing others say,  “What are you going to do?” –and my only answer being “I dunno sit back and pray and wait for God to show me.” –is scary and relieving all at the same time.

Why is it so hard to do nothing? Because it goes against everything I was taught. Right?!

I was taught:

• work hard to get what you want
• planning is a means to success
• things don’t turn out as planned so have a backup
• always be self-sufficient
• God will take care of you, but you have to use what he gave you as well.
• you get what you deserve (i think this was picked up on my own accord e.g. disobey/punishment)

Ohhhhh the woes of legalism and balancing the Christian faith….we could debate on these concepts for years, and you absolutely can comment on these. I’m going to leave them alone, as they aren’t my purpose for writing today.

What i do know is that God is showing me that while it is a blessing to be able to be self-sufficient and structured and a do-er, at times these patterns of such internal strength get in the way of HIS PURPOSE for my life. My will for my own path, is so driven and strong that if i don’t stop planning and doing the things I’ve always found comfort in—-there is a good chance I might completely miss HIS PLAN for my life. 

So if you are like me, always planning and doing, two steps ahead, loving certainty and the pride and responsibility it brings. I want you to know what God is showing me, It’s ok, in fact– necessary–sometimes to allow God to be the leader. So stop planning, step out in faith, and say,

God thank you for making me such a leader and capable of living this life you have given me. You made me bold and fearless, in your image, and although it goes against my nature, I know your plans are greater than mine, and I’m going to stop planning my life and allow you to show me what your plans are.  Help me be ok with stepping aside and resting. Help me hear you clearly so that i know your plans when you show them. Help my pride take a back seat as others don’t understand what i’m (not) doing. Help provide for me as I wait for you to show me your will. Help me have faith and patience. And mostly, be changing my heart, if your plan is not something I would readily choose for myself.

Amen