Standing Firm

The LORD’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.

I was up late, worried. One of our kids was making some poor choices, and I was wondering (in vain) how I could stop this cycle. Though they were old enough to make their own decisions, it didn’t keep me as a mom from willing them to do something different.

Instead of even trying to sleep, I took my concerns to God. I imagined handing my child over to the Lord, placing them in his hands. I reminded myself of God’s love for my child and for me. I prayed for the plans that I knew the Lord had for them and their future. And as I did, slowly, peace began to settle over me. Enough that I could lie down and rest.

It’s been a while since that night, and my child hasn’t magically started making perfect choices. Sometimes our prayers take time, but I believe and stand firm on the promise that God is holding my child close and that someday they will respond to God and follow his plan.

Life doesn’t always turn out as we hope. Circumstances happen beyond our control, people make choices that hurt themselves or loved ones, and sometimes we’re the ones who make poor decisions. Yet even when chaos seems to reign, even when prayers aren’t being answered in the ways we’d hoped, I’m thankful that God’s promises are still there for us to cling to.

In these harder moments, we can remind ourselves that the Lord’s plans will always stand firm and that his intentions will never be shaken. He reigns. He is sovereign. And he will make everything right in his time. All we have to do is trust him, stand firm on these truths, and rest in his love that holds us all.

Kendra

Today’s Act of Gratitude

What has been burdening your heart lately? Spend a little time bringing it before God. Imagine him taking it from you, and then remind yourself that his plans always stand firm.