Mighty Plans
2020 has been an unpredictable year. Back in Jan, the world was excited about the beginning of a new decade. 2020 Vision was spotlighted everywhere. I even wrote a blog about it. Then, like a car slamming us from out of nowhere, life threw us in a tailspin. Many of us have been blind sighted by a deadly virus, lockdowns, riots, and unrest. Quite a few of us are ready to skip ahead to 2021.
I flipped on the TV this weekend and a scene from the movie Evan Almighty was playing. Evan (played by actor Steve Carell) had been asked to build an ark, by the Almighty himself, and was having a discussion with God (played by Morgan Freeman). Evan questioned God, “Why me? Why an ark?” and then he proceeded to tell God that the whole ark thing wasn’t really part of his plans because he and his wife just bought a new house, and he just started a new job. Morgan Freeman, in his awesome God voice, starts to laugh, not just a chuckle but a hand to the stomach laugh before he chides, “Your plans,” and breaks out into great guffaws once more.
Proverbs 16:9 states, “In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
I have to admit, I have my days when I’m like Evan Almighty, and I’m crying to God about how life isn’t going along with my plans. I don’t think God doubles over laughing at me when I do this, but I do believe He probably chuckles and maybe releases a deep sigh. Thankfully, God is patient, and eventually, I learn His method is better. My plans are shortsighted, but His are long term. Mine are worldly, but His are otherworldly.
Flexibility is the best ability.
I cringe when I hear this phrase because it usually means hold tight changes are coming. However, the statement rings true. Flexibility is good. We make our plans, but God is going to establish our steps. So, we need to be open to how He is moving and what He is doing. There is freedom in knowing God ultimately is steering the ship. We may chart our course, but God is going to guide us through the storms. He’s going to lead us into calmer waters, but when it’s time for us to dock, we will no longer be cabin boys, we will disembark as tried and true men and women of God.
By the way, it turns out 2020 is the end of the old decade. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the new decade begins January 1, 2021. Since a lot of the craziness started in March, I’m extending the phrase for the entire year: 2020 may go out like a lion, but 2021 will come in with The Lamb.
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