Trusting God’s Plan

I like to make quick, decisive decisions when I know what we’re going to do. We were having dinner with some friends one night and we discovered we had anniversaries that were close to each other. They said, we should travel somewhere and celebrate. We kicked around some ideas and dates before deciding when and where. A few minutes later, I said, “OK, here’s the flight we are going to be on and the hotel is booked too. We can share a rental car.” They we’re a bit surprised and said, “I thought we were just talking about it.” I didn’t. We had decided when and where, what was the point in waiting? A few days later they booked their flights and hotel too. We had a great time, but anytime we discuss anything, they’re quick to say that they’re not 100% or to tell me not to book yet. I just don’t like waiting around once things have been decided.

In Genesis 15, the Lord visited with Abram and told him that his reward for obedience would be great. Abram asked what good it would be since he had no children to pass it on to. He verbalized that he would have to will everything to his highest ranking servant. Then in verse 4, it says, “And the Lord brought Abram outside [his tent into the night] and said, ‘Look now toward the heavens and count the stars—if you are able to count them.’ Then He said to him, ‘So [numerous] shall your descendants be’” (AMP). Abram and the Lord made a covenant that night. In the next chapter, he told his barren wife about it. She said that God hadn’t given them children through her and he was 75 years old. So she offered her maid to him to have a child through her. Abram didn’t question it. He acted quickly and Hagar gave birth to a son. This was not God’s plan. 24 years after the encounter that night, God told Abram his wife would give him a son. His inability to wait on God’s timing and plan created problems for them. God was true to His promise though.

Psalm 37:7 says, “Be still before the Lord; wait patiently for Him and entrust yourself to Him; Do not fret (whine, agonize) because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.” Waiting is hard to do especially when you know God’s plan and promise to you. I tend to be like Abram where I try to figure out God’s plan and jump ahead in the name of obedience. However, God has His own plan and timing that each of us must wait for. When we see others prospering while we’re waiting, we get antsy. In those moments, remind yourself to be patient and to be still before the Lord without acting. Surrender to God’s plan and timing, and He will bless that. Obedience is important, but so is patience. Trust God, His plan and His timing.

Photo by Joshua Earle on Unsplash