When Our Plans Don’t Work: How We Can Trust God’s Instead

So, I had a plan to have a Podcast started on Monday. It did not work out as I had planned or expected. But when I got in prayer that morning God established my steps. He gave me what he always does – good sound direction. So I wanted to share it with you so it can help you when your plans don’t workout. 

I was fighting hard not to beat myself up for this launch not happening. Thank God the verse of the day on Monday was Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Our hearts are something many of us don’t pay attention to – and I’m all about giving them some more attention! They are our will, emotions, thoughts, desires and all the stuff inside that we just follow. My heart was wanting me to believe that I had failed once again because the “product” hadn’t launched. But there is something I’m learning (slowly) about what the Lord has called me to do. It’s not a product. It’s heart. It doesn’t mean that there won’t be a product. I do believe that he wants the words I write and share to get out to the world. But it also mean that I have to focus on what he’s put on my heart. I can plan all I want but if he directs, I have to follow him.

Here’s what else he reminded me of Monday – that I’m not in charge. He builds the house.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1

He reminded me that He is the one that meets all my needs. I’m not in charge of meeting all of my own needs. It’s why I so need Him. 

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

His ways are higher than mine and even though the world tells me that I’ve got to focus all my efforts on self-promoting, I need to focus on God – because HE is the only one who will promote me. Again, it doesn’t mean I will do nothing to promote. But I do have to keep in check my motives – am I doing this for my glory? or His. I was taken to 1 Peter 4:13, 

“So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.” – 1 Peter 5: 6-7 MSG

What an awesome reminder. How often do we think we have to meet our own needs? Really that’s what the world teaches us, that we can’t depend on anyone but ourselves, let alone God. Isn’t that why we put our plans together, so that we can have control of the outcomes? I know I have had times where I felt like I was in God’s will, but then he showed me I wasn’t by not letting it workout. Every time though, it was for good. I have so often struggled with God’s call on my life, because it isn’t traditional work. I struggle with what others think (just like everyone does) and what it looks like. But writing is not a traditional job and I am absolutely okay with that because God is guiding my steps and I trust that if it becomes something more, he will make it that – in His time. Over time I’ve slowly learned to trust Him more and more. I know that God wants me to feed his sheep and share the Word with the world, to bring people closer to Him but I can’t do that if I’m beating myself for what didn’t workout. I always have to understand that he has a better plan. Not only that, he’s got a purpose for me and for you. 

I have to remind myself (as you probably do to) that we don’t need to be doing what  everyone else in the world is doing. I’m doing what God has me doing. Are you doing what God wants you to do? I’m not saying everyone needs to be doing what I’m doing. But he gave us all gifts, are you using yours?

I’ve been blessed and gifted to do a lot of cool things in my professional life like planning Presidential events. As far as cool goes, I’ve had the cool job. But now I have the amazing job that deeply satisfies me. It feels right and when words hit the page, I get lost. It’s just how I communicate. My writing doesn’t come by trying harder. It just comes. So I dare you to think about what it is you really love to do. What do you get lost in? You may think you have to do something that fits in a certain box, because it looks good – but what feels right? Where do you feel God tugging you? God doesn’t want you to build a house alone. He wants to help you build it. But you gotta trust that he’s right there beside you ready to lay another brick. Now, I say this to myself and you! Don’t get ahead of yourself! I know, when you do find what you love to do, you get excited. But God’s got the plan and  it’s much better than ours. 

So, that being said, if you are wondering what I’m up to. I’m spending my time focusing on what God’s called me to do. That is writing. The extroverted part of me spends time with others in various communities, but this is where I feel called to help the world. You may already know that, but isn’t it funny how long it takes us to figure it out ourselves? Right Now, those of you who have read my book will be happy to know I’m working on the next one and in two weeks I’ll be at a Writers Conference to get some feedback. And those who like the videos, they are coming back in October. So, take a rest. Take a listen to what God may be doing by changing your plans. Don’t expect an answer right away. Just trust, that he will provide the way in His time.