When My Plans and God’s Plans Don’t Match

As I review Isaiah 55:8 this morning, I read “My thoughts are not like your thoughts. Your ways are not like my ways.” (NCV)

I would be foolish to act as if I knew what God was thinking and planning. For His knowledge and wisdom are far greater than that of any human. I would also be foolish to try to fit God into my mold, to make his plans and purposes conform to mine. Rather, I must strive to fit into his plans. 

Life is full of interruptions. Sometimes I have big plans for a career, family, or ministry, but God takes my life in a different direction.

When my plans and God’s plans don’t match up, I often try to kick down the door. Then things get worse.

Jonah learned the hard way how to respond when God’s plans and his plans didn’t match. God told Jonah to warn the people of Nineveh that they needed to repent from their evil ways. But Jonah ran from God and ended up in the belly of a big fish, so God had to rescue him.

Jonah then did what God had said to do, but when the people of Nineveh repented and God didn’t punish them, the prophet was extremely disappointed.

God gave Jonah an object lesson. God caused a plant to grow large enough to give Jonah shade. Then he sent a worm to attack the plant and kill it. The next day, as the sun beat down on him, Jonah expressed his frustration to God.

And that’s when God reminded Jonah of four truths to remember when God’s plans differ from mine.

1). God can see things I can’t. He can see the past and the present and the future all at the same time. He created time, so he is not subject to it.

2). God is good to me even when I’m cranky. I may have been going the opposite direction from God, and he still covers me with shade. God cares about my comfort because that’s the kind of God he is. God loves me even when I”m unlovable.

3). God is in control of every detail of my life. My plans don’t fail randomly. God has a purpose in everything in my life. Jonah shows us that God uses both the big (a large fish) and the small (a worm) to direct our lives, but he is in control of it all. 

4). God wants me to focus on what will last. Most of what worries me won’t be around tomorrow. God wanted Jonah to care about the salvation of the people of Nineveh, not a plant that would die the next day. Above all else, focus on getting God’s Word into my heart and bringing people into his family.

Just because my plans aren’t turning out the way I want doesn’t mean God isn’t intimately involved in every step. 

In summary, God’s thoughts are not like my thoughts, and His ways are not like my ways. I would be foolish to act as if I knew what God was thinking and planning. I would also be foolish to try to fit God into my mold, to make his plans and purposes conform to mine. Rather, I must strive to fit into his plans. Life is full of interruptions. Sometimes I have big plans, but God takes my life in a different direction. When my plans and God’s plans don’t match up, I often try to kick down the door. God reminds me through Jonah of four truths to remember when His plans differ from mine. First, God can see things I can’t. He can see the past and the present and the future all at the same time. He created time, so he is not subject to it. Second, God is good to me even when I’m cranky. God cares about my comfort because that’s the kind of God he is. God loves me even when I”m unlovable. Third, God is in control of every detail of my life. God has a purpose in everything in my life. And lastly, God wants me to focus on what will last. Most of what worries me won’t be around tomorrow. God wanted Jonah to care about the salvation of the people of Nineveh, not a plant that would die the next day. Above all else, focus on getting God’s Word into my heart and bringing people into his family. Just because my plans aren’t turning out the way I want doesn’t mean God isn’t intimately involved in every step. 

Today I will ask God to help me see his hand in my broken plans, and to trust him in his goodness as he shows me the way forward. All four truths above are applicable to me today. I have to remember that God has a plan and purpose for me. While I can’t immediately see it, God will do what’s best for me. I just need to keep from getting cranky and put my heart into what will last. I also ask you Father for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my plans, my leadership and my interaction with others. These things I pray through you son Jesus’ name, amen.

When I Feel Hopeless, Learn to Pray Specifically

As I review Jonah 2:2 this morning, Jonah says, “I called to the LORD in my distress, and he answered me. From the depths of my watery grave I cried for help, and you heard my cry.” (GW)

When I know what’s causing my hopelessness, I can begin to pray specifically for what I need. I believe this is how God wants me to talk with him.

And as I pray specifically, I should take Scripture and pray it back to God. It’s the key to asking God for help!

That’s what Jonah did when he sank into the ocean and was swallowed by a large fish. In his short prayer in Jonah 2, he prayed eight different Scriptures. Everything he said is a quote from the book of Psalms. Jonah was obviously well-versed in Scripture.

What verses should I pray back to God?

. Pray the laments of God. When I’m angry, go back to one of the laments in Psalms or the book of Lamentations and pray those complaints back to God.

. Pray the truth about God. Pray what the Bible says about God, about his goodness, his fairness, and his justice. 

. Pray the promises of God. Pray one of the promises of God memorized in His Word.

As I study God’s Word, like Jonah, I can pray God’s Word back to him. And as I do, God will bring hope back into my life.

In summary, call to the LORD in my distress, for he will answer. Cry for help, and he will hear. When I know what’s causing my hopelessness, I can begin to pray specifically for what I need. This is how God wants me to talk with him. I should take Scripture and pray it back to God. That’s what Jonah did, he prayed eight different Scriptures. Quotes from the book of Psalms. What verses should I pray back? Pray the laments of God. When angry, pray those complaints back to God. Pray the truth about God and what the Bible says about Him; his goodness, fairness, and justice. And Pray the promises of God. As I study God’s Word, I can pray God’s Word back to him. As I do, God will bring hope back into my life.

I need to continue to memorize verses that speak to me, so that I can more readily pray Scripture back to you. As I considered the three kinds of prayers discussed above, laments, truth about God, God’s promises, It would be hard to pick just one. At this time in my life I need all three; laments about how myself and my team are being treated, remembering the truth about you and what you have promised me if I follow whole-heartedly. I also ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my plans and my interactions with others. I ask these things through your Son Jesus’ name, amen.

I Have a Biblical Responsibility to Warn Others

As I review Jonah 3:3-4, I read “Jonah obeyed the LORD and went to Nineveh. The city was so big that it took three days just to walk through it. After walking for a day, Jonah warned the people, ‘Forty days from now, Nineveh will be destroyed!’” (CEV)

I need to remember that God's word is for everyone. In the book of Jonah, I see that despite the wickedness of the Ninevite people, they were open to God's message and repented immediately. If I simply proclaim what I know about God, I too may be surprised at how many people will listen.

When God sent Jonah to Nineveh, his mission was to warn the people about the severe consequences for their disobedience. God wanted them to know that his judgment was near, but that they still had a chance to repent and obey him. God wanted to give the people of Nineveh a second chance.

But he had to give Jonah a second chance, as well, because the prophet was sitting in a big fish. Once God rescued him, the Bible says, “Jonah obeyed the Lord and went to Nineveh. The city was so big that it took three days just to walk through it. After walking for a day, Jonah warned the people, ‘Forty days from now, Nineveh will be destroyed!’” (Jonah 3:3-4 CEV).

A warning is cautionary advice about a danger, trap, or problem. And God sometimes brings people into our lives to warn us because we’re not listening to God’s warning.

More than 100 verses in the New Testament tell me to warn others. It’s part of my responsibility as followers of Jesus.

In Acts 20:31, Paul writes: “Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears” (NIV).

Paul says he warned the Ephesians “with tears.” He did this, because he loved them!

God gives all believers the ministry of warning others. When I warn someone, it shows that I love God and that person. For instance, if you knew a bridge was out and you saw someone driving toward it at 50 miles per hour, the loving thing to do is to warn them.

If I love the people in my life, I’ll warn them of the consequences of their unwise actions or decisions, because a godly warning is an act of love.

In summary, Jonah obeyed and warned the people, Despite my feelings I too need to remember that God's word is for everyone. Despite the wickedness, the Ninevite people were open to God's message and repented immediately. If I simply proclaim what I know about God, I too may be surprised at how many people will listen. In this situation, God wanted to give the people of Nineveh a second chance. But he had to give Jonah a second chance, A warning is cautionary advice about a danger, trap, or problem. And God sometimes brings people into our lives to warn us because we’re not listening to His warning. More than 100 verses in the New Testament tell me to warn others. It’s part of my responsibility as followers of Jesus. God gives all believers the ministry of warning others. When I warn someone, it shows that I love God and that person. If I love the people in my life, I’ll warn them of the consequences of their unwise actions or decisions, because a godly warning is an act of love.

Letting others know about God’s Good News and helping them by giving them a warning should become a key part of my mission as I move forward. Father, I feel as if I don’t really have the right opportunity to share or that I’m prying if I do. I ask with the help of the Holy Spirit in my life, that I can encouragement and the gumption to find opportunities to do so. I also ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my relationships, my leadership and my interactions with others. I ask these things through your Son Jesus’ name, amen.

When God Provides a Second Chance, Seize It

As I review 2 Corinthians 6:1 I read, “Since we are God’s coworkers, we urge you not to let God’s kindness be wasted on you.”(GW)

The Corinthian believers were ignoring God's message. Perhaps it was doubt or confusion by false teachers. They heard God's message, but did not let it affect what they said and did. How often am I ignoring God's message?

When God gives another chance to fulfill my mission, seize it. Don’t waste it. That’s the time to focus on God’s unique calling.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 6:1, “Since we are God’s coworkers, we urge you not to let God’s kindness be wasted on you” (GW). God has done so much for me. He’s forgiven my sins. He’s given me more than one second chance. He will give me another opportunity to serve him.

Looking back at the life of Paul. He was killing Christians because he thought they were heretics who were following a dead and disgraced leader. But then Jesus confronted Paul on the road to Damascus—and offered him a second chance to fulfill his real mission on earth. Paul accepted his assignment and did a 180-degree turn—and he never forgot the second chance God gave him.

Later in his ministry, Paul said: “I don’t care about my own life. The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me—to tell people the Good News about God’s grace” (Acts 20:24 NCV).

Because Paul was so grateful God was using him, nothing else mattered to him. So no matter how badly I’ve messed up, God hasn’t changed my mission. Perhaps I’m drifting a bit. God still hasn’t changed my mission.

So get on it and get started. When God gives another chance, don’t delay; rather obey. God’s second chances reflect his grace and his love for me.

In summary don’t let God’s kindness be wasted on me. While I hear God's message, I need to follow it and let it affect what I say and do. When God gives another chance to fulfill my mission, learn to seize it, not waste it. It’s the time to focus on God’s unique calling. God has done so much for me. He’s forgiven my sins and given me more than one second chance. And He will give me another opportunity to serve him. So no matter how badly I’ve messed up, God hasn’t changed my mission. So get on it and get started. When God gives another chance, don’t delay; rather obey. God’s second chances reflect his grace and his love for me.

Father, this morning I want to take the second chance that I realize is before me, to fulfill the mission you gave me. While I continue to make a difference in the lives of others, I need to do more to help them have a relationship with you. I need to get over any fears I have in communicating this. I ask you today for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my thoughts, my leadership and my interactions with others. These things I pray in your Son Jesus’ name, amen.

Thanking God for Second Chances

As I review Psalm 92:1-2 this morning, I read “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening,” (NLT)

Thanks should be on my lips every day. I can never say thank you enough to parents, friends, leaders, and especially to God. When thanksgiving becomes an integral part of my life, I will find that my attitude towards life will change. I will become more positive, gracious, loving, and humble.

God loves to give second chances. Consider Jonah. God gave him a mission to tell the people of Nineveh to repent. But Jonah didn’t like Nineveh and wanted the people to experience God’s judgment. So Jonah ran away from God and ended up in the belly of a fish. Still, God gave him a second chance! He’ll give me one, too. 

What do I do when he does? Learn to live gratefully. That’s how Jonah responded, at least at first. In fact, he thanked God before he had even been rescued: “As for me, I will sacrifice to you with a voice of thanksgiving” (Jonah 2:9 CSB).

When God gives me a second chance, do what Jonah did. Wake up every day with a profound gratitude for the opportunity God has given me.

The Bible says, “It is wonderful to be grateful and to sing your praises, Lord Most High! It is wonderful each morning to tell about your love and at night to announce how faithful you are” (Psalm 92:1-2 CEV).

It’s not just a one-time prayer. It’s a lifestyle of gratitude. The psalmist sang God’s praises every morning and every night.

Since I’m alive and have blood flowing through my veins, my mission is still in front of me. No matter what has happened in the past, I can thank God for a second chance to fulfill his plan for my life. In fact, It’s worth singing about!

In summary, give thanks to the Lord, and sing praises to the Most High. It is good for me to proclaim His unfailing love in the morning, and His faithfulness in the evening, Thanks should be on my lips every day. When thanksgiving becomes an integral part of my life, I will find that my attitude towards life will change. God loves to give second chances. What do I do when he does? I need to learn to live gratefully. Do what Jonah did. Wake up every day with a profound gratitude for the opportunity God has given me. It’s not just a one-time prayer. It’s a lifestyle of gratitude. My mission is still in front of me. No matter what has happened in the past, I can thank God for a second chance to fulfill his plan for my life. In fact, It’s worth singing about!

Father, I may have gotten off-track on the mission you have for me. I’m grateful that whatever was in the past I can still thank you for second chances. I believe that living more gratefully will affect my outlook and be an example to others. I need to choose to wake up every day with a profound gratitude for the opportunity God has given me. I also ask for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others and my preparation for my next work role. Thank you Father for your loving care to me. I pray these things in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Learning to Focus on God’s Goodness in My Darkest Days

In reviewing Jonah 2:7 I read,  “When I had lost all hope, I turned my thoughts once more to the Lord.” (TLB)

When I’m feeling hopeless, choose to think about the one thing I know will lift my spirit: the goodness of God.

How did Jonah do it? “When I had lost all hope, I turned my thoughts once more to the Lord” (Jonah 2:7 TLB).

The answer to hopelessness is to turn my thoughts to God. Think about his goodness, his greatness, his love, his fairness, and his kindness.

In the New Testament, the Greek word for this is metanoia or repentance. Repentance doesn’t just mean I stop doing bad stuff. It means I change my mind and look at life from God’s viewpoint instead of my own.

Corrie ten Boom, a survivor of the Nazi death camps, once said, “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God, you’ll be at rest.”

Everything depends on where I’m looking.

As I focus my attention on God’s goodness, look to his Word. One verse that can be used during some of the darkest times of life is Psalm 27:13, which says, “I know that I will live to see the Lord’s goodness in this present life” (GNT).

It’s a great reminder that God’s purpose in my life is greater than whatever problem I’m facing.

Even though it may be difficult, instead of focusing on my worries, choose to look up and turn my “thoughts once more to the Lord.”

In summary, when I lose all hope, I need to turn my thought to the Lord. When I’m feeling hopeless, choose to think about the one thing I know will lift my spirit: the goodness of God. So, the answer to hopelessness is to turn my thoughts to God. Think about his goodness, his greatness, his love, his fairness, and his kindness. Repentance on my part doesn’t just mean I stop doing bad stuff. It means I change my mind and look at life from God’s viewpoint. Everything depends on where I’m looking. Look to his Word. During my darkest times, remember Psalm 27:13, “I know that I will live to see the Lord’s goodness in this present life” God’s purpose in my life is greater than whatever problem I’m facing. Instead of focusing on my worries, choose to look up and turn my “thoughts once more to the Lord.”

Father, I must remember to turn my thoughts to you. Remember your goodness to me. Learn to look at things from your viewpoint. Know that your purpose for me is greater than anything I will face. So instead of worrying, choose to look up to you.  I also ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. These things I pray in your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.