Living Our Best Life

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

IN THE FOURTH GRADE, we were obsessed with playing MASH—a counting game played on paper that predicts whether you will live in a mansion, apartment, shack, or house. This was serious playground business. It also determined whom we would marry, how many children we would have, and the type of car we would drive. We’d draw a number, wait with anticipation to see the results, and either celebrate the mansion or pity the shack.

The fun and games continued into high school. Our MASH games turned into more sophisticated plans: Move to California, marry a blond surfer, and live on the beach. Bam—life plan done. With zero responsibility, we built these dreamy lives in the back of our minds, believing we knew best.

And yet, my fun and games still linger today. As an adult though, my ideas have gotten more polished and I find myself crafting perfect plans to bring before God:

“God, it would be ideal if I could achieve X, Y, and Z by this time in my life.”

“God, let me tell You about having children and my timetable for everything.”

“God, this man is definitely the guy for me. You see it, right?”

“God, this disease isn’t part of my plan. Could you get rid of it, please?”

Who hasn’t bought into the lie that we make the plans and then let God in on them? We all have, because we think we know best and want to dictate our every next step. But let’s live in the truth that God is our Creator, Maker, Planner, and King. His ways are higher than our own. Let’s not settle for a shadowy idea of what we can accomplish with our own two hands; let’s sink into the substance of Christ and His plans for us.

This takes trust, of course, and may look confusing or scary. In fact, His plans may look nothing like our own. Think of Jesus’ mother, Mary. I am sure she had a plan to marry her fiancé Joseph before getting pregnant. Like a good Jewish girl. But God’s plan?

God’s plan for Mary looked a little different. Not only did it include getting pregnant before her wedding but it also included getting pregnant by the Holy Spirit and having to dodge judgment from her community and fiancé. Talk about confusing and scary! But because Mary said yes to God's plan, she gave birth to His Son. She raised Him as a young boy and watched as He grew into a young man, beginning His earthly ministry and performing countless miracles.

Her plans looked nothing like God’s plans. And yet, we can be so glad she trusted God and said yes to Him. Because that yes brought grace to this world. That yes brought life to us both here on earth and for eternity. Sister, saying yes to God’s plans for our lives brings more purpose and life to us than we could ever produce on our own. Won’t you take your plans to God and look to Him for His direction? Saying yes looks amazing on us.

GRACE REFLECTION: Pray with me, “God, thank You that You know best. When I find myself trying to make my own way, help me to stop and listen for Your voice directing me where I should go. Amen.”