- Proverbs 16:9
I cannot tell you how many times the Lord has placed this verse before me in the last several years. In fact, he has put this verse front and center many, many times in the last 7 years, including tonight. This does a work in a person who once held positions in Corporate America as a program manager and executive communications coordinator for CxO's; planning was everything! While those days are loooong gone, I still find myself habitually planning things out. Not such a bad habit for a wife and mother of a family, a missions committee member planning a missions conference, or a student studying for a paralegal degree, except when I fail to watch for and pray to the Giver of my strength (Psalm 59:9) and surrender with hands open to the One who establishes my steps (Proverbs 16:9).
There have been times when I found myself rebelling against the very thing I had been praying for because it didn't "look" or "sound" like what I had planned or how I thought it might eventually happen rather than surrendering to what God planned. It wasn't too long ago when I almost missed seeing and giving thanks to God for working out a situation. For years, I prayed that a particular person would no longer have the kind of emotional and manipulative pull on someone I dearly love and me. In God's perfect timing, he made it a reality but with pain -- lots of pain. A pain so deep to the person I love I cringe to think of how it affects them still -- and, painful for me too as I walk through it with them. As I watched all that I had planned for the latter months of last year begin to crumble, I had a moment of sheer and complete panic. I told myself, I worked too hard for all this to slip away. I cried out to Jesus; he was gracious to minister to my aching heart through his Word and bring friends alongside us in prayer. It was then that I was reminded to surrender to his will -- whatever the cost, wherever it might lead. When the dust began to clear, I recalled God's Word where Jesus tore down the temple. He did so only to rebuild it for God's glory. In a similar way, the Lord answered my prayers in a way that tore down my plans and established our steps for our good and His glory. Things are settling in to a new normal, and I can see how God has given us beauty for ashes in this situation.
Moving forward, I think my sweet sisterfriend says it best, "Hands Open!"
Dear Lord, As I plan and pray over the year ahead, help me to keep my hands (and heart) open to your will and not married to my own desires and plans. Whatever the cost, wherever you lead me, I surrender and pray that you help me follow. In the sweet and precious name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
