Monday, April 28, 2014

God’s Plan Is Better Than Mine

I’m pretty forgetful, just ask my wife.  A while back I said I was going to make a list of the most popular excuses contractors give when it comes to them not following a project’s plans and specifications.  I forgot to make the list, but remembered later that I said that I was going to make it.  Don’t judge me, it got done; it just took a couple of months.

Anyway, here’s the list:
  1. We bid that as an option.
  2. This is what we did on a different job.
  3. Our machine broke, so we did what we could.
  4. We already had these from a different job.
  5. These were cheaper.
  6. We ran out, so we used something different.
  7. We didn't think you were going to look at that.
That’s probably a pretty meaningless list to most of you, but after I thought about it a while, I realized that these are very similar (if not the exact same) excuses we give God when we don’t follow His will for our lives. 

Here’s the list again, only this time, I've added a quick explanation of how it relates back to us and our relationship with God and how we make excuses when we don’t follow His will.
  1. We bid that as an option.  Yes, God’s will is an option.  We can choose whether or not we follow His plan; oh, but how much better would our lives be if we add into our lives, the parts that God wants us to include.  Not only that, but we also can’t pick and choose which parts we want to follow; it’s all or nothing.
  2. This is what we did on a different job.  When you begin to follow God’s will, some of the things you've done in the past will not fit well in His plan.  Also, God has a different plan for everyone; don’t follow God’s plan for someone else and don’t follow your own plan for your past life.  You are a new creation in Christ Jesus!
  3. Our machine broke, so we did what we could.  The thing is, when you follow God’s will for your life, He’ll give you the tools and equipment you will need to fulfill His will for you.  That doesn't mean it’ll be easy, but it also doesn't mean you have to suffer through it.  There’s a huge payoff at the end.
  4. We already had these from a different job.  We all have stuff from our past that we want to carry around with us and bring into our relationship with God; but just like every construction job is different, you are different once you accept God and His plan for you.  You've been forgiven, let it go; God has already.
  5. These were cheaper.  Following God’s plan isn't cheap.  Sacrifices will need to be made, changes will need to be made.  It’ll cost you, but if it’s in His plan for you, He’ll provide; just have faith.
  6. We ran out, so we used something different.  There are no substitutions when it comes to God’s provision.  You can try to do things your way or make changes that you think would be better, but it’s not going to work out.
  7. We didn't think you were going to look at that.  We often try to hide from God and pretend He doesn't see some of the things we do, but He does see us.  He sees everything.  And yet, He still loves us.
The bottom line here is that we are all uniquely created and uniquely qualified for the things God has planned for our lives.  We just need to accept this one truth ― God’s plan is better than mine (ours).

For those of us that have trouble remembering things, write that phrase down somewhere to remind yourself of who’s in charge and why you are doing what you do.

Repeat it as often as you need: 

God’s plan is better than mine. 

God’s plan is better than mine. 

God’s plan is better than mine. 

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