The Only Plans Worth Chasin’
Well, now, friend, look at you wanderin’ up this way like a curious little river otter that just spotted a shiny pebble and decided it was worth inspectin’. So, come right on through this here gate and git yourself seated in this cushioned swing right over here on this ol’ front porch because where we’re goin’ with our discussion today is plum tastier than some of that fresh churned butter meltin’ on warm cornbread and a whole lot steadier than an ol’ plow horse that sho’-nuff’ knows which row is his. You know, I was watchin’ a determined little ol’ chipmunk earlier, stuffin’ his cheeks so full of acorns he got to lookin’ like he was smuggling dinner for half the forest. And right then I thought, “Well, bless my boots, if that tiny lil’ ol’ critter can be knowin’ his purpose so well, surely God’s people can learn to find and be walkin’ in their own purpose that the Lord has put in place for each of them, too.” That there notion went and settled in my heart like the blessing of a quiet, gentle rain that brings a fresh drink to quench the earth’s thirst. It purely reminded me of Jeremiah 29:11, where the Lord says, “He plans to prosper us, not harm us, plans to give us hope and a future.”
There are all kinds of successes that we can find in this world, but the only kind that truly counts is bein’ a success for God. Folks may push you toward their dreams, their expectations, their version of what your life ought to look like. But true success just ain’t about fulfillin’ this ol’ world’s checklist. It’s about fulfillin’ God’s calling for your life. Proverbs 15:22 reminds us that “without godly counsel, our purposes fall apart, but with the right guidance they stand firm.”
You can’t be a success for God until you know His plan for your life. And, friend, He really does have one just for you. Some folks think God is too busy runnin’ the universe to care about their little corner of it. But Scripture says otherwise. His thoughts toward you are always real good. His intentions are real kind. His plans are very personal.
Success in God’s eyes means accomplishin’ what He dreamed for you before you ever took your first breath. It means askin’, “Lord, what do You want? What do You think?” And His answers always line right on up with His Word.
Father, thank You for havin’ a plan for my life. Lead me, guide me, and help me walk in Your purpose. Let my life bring You glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Friend, let me set this last truth beside you the way a wise old tortoise settles himself right up under a shady oak tree, real slow but plum full of certainty. God’s plan for you is not flimsy like a an ol’ scarecrow flappin’ around in a big ol’ windstorm. It’s real steady, real strong, and plum shaped by His love. You don’t have to be out there chasin’ after the world’s applause like a silly lil’ rooster chasin’ after his own shadow. Instead, you gotta follow the One who’s already mapped out your future with beloved care. And, friend, when you git to walkin’ within His plan, you’ll find beautiful inner peace and joy beyond measure not to even mention you will be more successful than you ever could begin to imagine.
With joy,
Gwen
