“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps,” (Proverbs 16:9).
I love fresh beginnings. Crisp blank notebooks, an empty dishwasher, weddings, New Year’s Day—big or small, a new start holds possibilities, space, clarity. Hope for the future.
New beginnings can be scary, though, too. Call it fear of change or the unknown—what it comes down to is recognizing we are not in control. I have a plan for 2012, but the truth is only God knows what the year will bring.
Your list of unexpected events from 2011 may be a lot like mine. My circle of loved ones embraced new jobs, new babies, new houses; faced cancer, funerals, hospitals; experienced healing, heartache, and countless answered prayers. None of it came by prediction.
Every January, my husband and I write a list of goals. We organize them in categories: Spiritual, Marriage and Family, Personal Development, Financial. Do you want to know what was not on the list last year? This blog.
Finding time for writing a weekly devotion seemed impossible 12 months ago. So did the intimidating prospect of cracking my heart and household wide open for other moms to gawk at. But God took me on a wild ride, unearthing a passion for sharing him through his words and mine. So I strapped myself in shotgun and let his will blow through my soul, shaking loose my “I can’ts” and “not nows.” He steered me down a path I was afraid to tread alone.
Where does God want to take you this year? What if it’s different from your plan? What if it challenges your comfort zone, changes the way you see yourself? What if it hurts? Will you trust him?
I want to. At the top of my goal list for 2012 is this: get to know God better. I suspect my fear of the unknown is rooted in an inaccurate view of God’s goodness. If I really get to know his character, how he loves me and has plans to prosper me and not to harm me (Jeremiah 29:11), then I don’t need to fear the curve balls. I can trust they’re part of his plan. And his plan is beyond good. It’s perfect.
Happy New Year, everyone! Thank you for taking Time Out to read these devotions each week. May the Lord richly bless you and your families in 2012!
Happy New Year to you too, Becky! I’m so thankful your blog “happened.” I’ll remember to keep my heart “open” in 2012 – the best adventure is often the one one we didn’t plan. Love and hugs!
Lol! You used my verse! Oh well…theres about a million more, right?! Ha! This was so well written. I think you have found your voice and Gods steady path sister! Thank you for that wonderful reminder that God’s path includes some curve balls, but we CAN TRUST they have been predesigned for our best and His glory! I’m so thankful to have your awe inspiring encouragement each week. Don’t stop! Love you my sweet friend 🙂 L