When Things Aren’t Working Out Like You Planned

If you are a believer in Christ, you are surrounded by God’s mighty Word. The belt of Truth is wrapped around you, holding your armor and weapons in place. During times of testing, we need to hold fast to the Word of Truth. Are you struggling with circumstances in your life right now? If you are, tighten your belt. You’re in the right place!

God knows every detail concerning your life. He knows exactly what is happening today. He even knows the number of hairs on your head!

He has promised to guide you along your way in this world. But His plan for you is probably very different than you thought it would be. Why? Because deep down, we think we are in control. Deep down, we think we are directing our own path and that the decisions we make will determine our future. But God is in control and His plan for you is superior to your own plans.

Consider Abraham, Joseph, Gideon, David, Esther, Paul, (and the list goes on). None of these people knew what God had planned for them. But they trusted God along the way, even when things looked bad.

Let’s talk about Joseph for a minute.

Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.  He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had:  We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.” Genesis 37: 5-7

That must have been pretty exciting for Joseph, but you probably know what happened to him. He ended up being thrown into a pit and left for dead, then he was sold into slavery. After that, he was sent to prison for something he didn’t do! He could have been really discouraged, but he kept on trusting God through all these circumstances and God gave him favor until eventually Joseph was put in charge of all of Egypt! (Read about it in Genesis 37-50)

In hindsight Joseph could see how God’s plan brought him to the place of honor and power he enjoyed as an Egyptian leader. It ‘s only in hindsight that we will understand why things happened like they did in our own lives. That’s why we must live by faith.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

Regardless of how things look, these promises are still true:

“… the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,
    the purposes of his heart through all generations..” Psalm 33:11

“For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him?
    His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?” Isaiah 14:27

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
    but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8

Sometimes you may feel like God has abandoned you, but that is not true. Listen to the words spoken to God’s people while they were exiled in Babylon:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

The Israelites did return to Jerusalem and rebuilt the wall!

We must never trust our own ideas above what God is doing that we cannot see. God says,

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

Even though things don’t seem to be working out right, God’s promises are still true. His Word is still true. God is working His plan for you this very minute. Will you trust Him?

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

A Prayer

Father, The whole universe is by your design. You created it all! No matter what happens, I will always follow you. Please direct my steps, for I trust in you. Give me the strength and courage I need. Strengthen my faith, I pray. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

With Love,

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?

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All Scripture references are NIV.

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