Understand

(From the archives)

A person's steps are from the Lord, how then can any man understand his way?

Proverbs 20:24


It's popular nowadays to make 5 year plans. At the very least it prepares you for a popular interview question. But I wonder if we were to go over the last 5 years and consider if they went to plan, what they would conclude.


5 years ago I was still living with my parents, unemployed, and dosed up on antidepressants that "zombiefied" me. I was so low that I couldn't envisage any other future for myself. But over the next few years I moved out, came off the drugs, have had several jobs (and am in one now), have written a book... okay I'm just showing off now!


But seriously, I attribute where I am now to the grace of God in my life and the prayers of his people. We might not be able to understand our ways, but God does, and we can trust him to guide us every step of the way. Wanting to know the end from the beginning is usually wanting more than God's prepared to reveal.


God reveals his plan for us step by step. So he did tell Saul that he would be a light to the Gentiles, but his immediate guidance was to go to a certain house. He told his disciples to follow a man with a water jar, little knowing they were preparing for their last supper with him. Trust God in the little things, and he will paint the big picture.


"Lord, please guide me in the best way you would have me go. Even though I can't see the end from the beginning, help me trust you with each step. Forgive me for sometimes wanting to go my own way, and getting in trouble for it. In Jesus' name, amen"

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