As we step into this new year, we are excited for a fresh start…a chance to finally reach the goals that we’ve always wanted to reach. Maybe the goal is to live a healthier life. Maybe it’s to get our finances in order. Maybe it’s to pursue a passion that we’ve always had. Whatever the hope may be, this is our time to leave the past behind us. This is our time to let go of our failures and disappointments…to press the reset button, so that we can live a happier, more fulfilling life.
This new year is a new beginning. But, as we look forward to reaching our goals we must also open our minds to new possibilities.
Why?
Because God’s plan for us is beyond what we can imagine.
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT)
When I look back over the last 5 years, I never thought I would be here. God has given me a new calling, new talents, new passions, and a completely different perspective in life. I am not the same. My life is not the same. This journey of faith has set me on a trajectory that I could not have imagined on my own.
God’s plan will always be different from our plan.
We know this because His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. We can’t think like Him; therefore, we can’t plan like Him. So, if we want to experience the amazing plan that God has for us, we must allow Him to show us the way.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT)
We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. (Proverbs 16:9 NLT)
Yes, we can plan our lives. We can map out how we will achieve our desired goal. But, we must remember to submit our plans to the Lord. Why? Because at the end of the day we don’t know where He is leading us. We don’t know who we will be, where we will be, or what tomorrow will bring…but He does. Our Father knows exactly where we are headed, and He is the only one that can lead us there.
You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. (Psalms 139:16 NLT)
For a moment, I want you to think about your plan. Where do you desire to be in the next year, 5 years, or ten years? How do you plan to get there?
Now, I want you to consider the possibility that your life may be completely different. I know this may not be what you want to hear at this moment, but think about the many stories that we’ve read about in the bible.
I’m sure Abraham had a plan when God called him to leave his homeland for an unknown land. I’m sure Moses had a plan when God called him to set His people free. I’m sure Saul had a plan when God called him to be the first king of Israel. I’m sure Esther had a plan when God called her to put her life on the line to save His people. I’m sure Mary had a plan when an angel appeared to tell her she would birth the Messiah. I’m sure each and every disciple had a plan when Jesus showed up and told them to leave their lives behind so that they could follow Him.
When I read the bible all I see is a God that interrupts plans.
He interrupted the plans of the men and women that we read about in the bible. He interrupted my plan. And I believe that He wants to interrupt the plan that you have for your life.
So, as you step into this new year with faith, don’t just have faith for your plan…seek God for His. I believe that He wants to give you new faith… faith for the new things that He has planned for your life.
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19 NLT)
He wants to give you new desires, new talents, and new purpose. So today, believe Him for it. Believe that He will show up in a new way. Believe that He will give you the ability to walk in new faith. And watch as He empowers you to do something unimaginable.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for creating me and thank you for giving my life purpose. Today, I have been reminded that your ways are higher than my ways and your thoughts are higher than my thoughts. I have been reminded that although I may have a plan for my life, your plans are so much better. So Father, today I have decided to seek you for your plan. I don’t want my heart’s desires. I want the life that you have planned for me. I want my life to give you glory. So I will follow you. I will allow you to direct my steps. I will allow you to strengthen me and enable me. I believe that with you I can do anything. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for protecting me. And thank you for leading me towards that plan that you have for my life. I love you, Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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