I'm guilty, I've done it!

The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.  But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations (Psalm 33:10-11)

My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways (Isa. 55:8)

If you're anything like me at all, you've done this...............

Do you remember that time that you were being fruitful - and doing good deeds - that were born out of your love for Jesus?

Do you remember all the planning the task may have required?  Did you get caught up in the planning - and all of a sudden, your prayer time - your devotional time - your time with Jesus - was finding itself in second place?

I'm not saying doing good things are bad - I'm just saying that when we do strike out to do something big, something that requires large effort, and lots of planning - we better make sure that God asked us to do it.  Otherwise, you'll find the tables all upside down!  Besides, when God tells us what to do - it's done is HIS power, and not our own wisdom.  Things done in God's power - Pour out His glory to the world.

Believe me, I'm here to confess - I AM GUILTY!!  I am a planner.  This is something I struggle with constantly.  I'm ashamed to admit, that on more than one occassion, I've put Jesus in the backseat of my life - because of getting caught up in all my planning. 

I know, that in those times, life's struggles become more apparent - I'm out of kilter - the God shaped hole in my heart is running on empty.  I've walked away from the ONE that has His arms stretched out to me always!

I love this quote from the Experiencing God Bible Study: "Planning is a tool God may lead you to use, but it must never become a substitute for trusting Him".

My prayer for you today (and myself) - is that you always seek Him first.  That you are able to develop a heart that waits for Him to speak.  That you devote your life to a relationship with Him, so you can hear Him.  That all the things that you do, are driven by His perfect guidance, and that you join Him in His Kingdom purposes.

Love in Christ, Donna~