The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 (NASB)
Isn’t it funny the plans that we make for ourselves in life, which never seem to transpire. We look back in hindsight, remembering how that great plan or dream did not happen. We can either be relieved, disappointed, or even amused at our own youthful naivety. I have tasted all of these in various measures.
As a young boy, my heart was set on following my father into the Royal Air Force, and more specifically, as a dog handler. We were a dog family throughout my childhood. But a kidney injury put an end to that dream – military medicals state you must have two working kidneys. Another dream was to visit Israel to work in a kibbutz and to travel around that beautiful land. It was close to happening when suddenly the first Gulf War started, and that stopped travel to the region. Another dream was inspired by my love for poetry and stories – I wanted to be a writer, maybe even a novelist or poet. But life interrupted these dreams too. As a middle-aged family man, I look back on those and other life incidents, and I am thankful for God’s hand in my life.
If it wasn’t for God “directing my steps” I wouldn’t be who I am today, writing devotionals and speaking in church – serving God. When we plan our life, it is on a small canvas, but our Heavenly Father has the whole panoramic picture stretched out before Him. It is important to trust Him and be thankful for His supreme Wisdom. I would never have expected half of what has happened in my life; I probably would have laughed if anyone had suggested what I could do for God. Almighty God is the master of the unexpected, if you doubt this, just read about King David in your Bible. Who would have expected a skinny shepherd lad to be the hammer of the Philistine champion Goliath, and the future king of Israel? As I age, I become less surprised by the unexpected actions of God, yet He does still surprise me occasionally.
Dear reader, be confident that your Father God has the whole panorama of your life before Him – He has it under control. Nothing is impossible in your time of need, seek Him in prayer and expect the unexpected!
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Devotional Treasures
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