Are you discouraged, discontent, bitter?  The disgruntlement and baggage from expectations not met can take away from the joy and the future that the Lord has, wants, and “plans” for each one of us.  That joy often comes in ways we could never imagine or envision for ourselves.

• Could the elder Abraham and Sarah have planned on conceiving a baby in their later years?  (Genesis 21)
• Could the barren Hannah have planned on her womb being opened so she could conceive a baby?  (1 Samuel 1)
• Could the widowed and childless Ruth have planned on remarrying a wealthy landowner and bearing a son?  (Ruth 4)

How?

Despite Job’s outbursts of frustration and exasperation, he never lost faith and he never denounced God.

“At least I can take comfort in this: Despite the pain, I have not denied the words of the Holy One” (Job 6:10).

Abraham, Hannah, and Ruth never lost their faith either.  They continued to pray and rely upon the Lord during their grief.

• “Then Abraham prayed to God …” (Genesis 20:17).
• “….For I (Hannah) have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow” (1 Samuel 1:16).
• (Boaz to Ruth) “May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully” (Ruth 2:12).

The interesting thing about Job’s case is that he never gets “answers” to his questions, but he does get a renewed vision of God, and died “an old man who had lived a long, good life” (Job 42:17).

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.  “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Many times you hear that passage quoted alone, but we really need to read on to receive the full instructions of that passage.

“’In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me.  I will be found by you,’ says the Lord” (Jeremiah 29:12-14).

The Lord does not hide from us in times of need.  Oftentimes, we may be so wrapped up in ourselves and the situation that we don’t even see the Lord in the midst of it.

The next time you find yourself feeling alone or on a path that you didn’t plan on, seek the Lord, take refuge in Him, and spend time in prayer.  Ask Him to help you conform your “plans” to His plans for your life.



 Cliff Young is a contributing writer to Sandlot Stories (ARose Books).  An architect and former youth worker, he now works with Christian musicians and consults for a number of Christian ministries. Got feedback?  Send your comments and questions to CYdmg@yahoo.com.