Devotionals for the Heart: When God's plans are better than our plans

Staying On Shore
A devotional by Tessa Huckstep

“But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.” –Jonah 1:3 (KJV)

I used to think that the worst possible scenario for big life decisions was that God would never answer my questions and I would be left uncertain.

I was wrong. The worst possible scenario for big life decisions is that God says “no” to what you really want and “yes” to something that you say “absolutely not” to. So far, I feel like God says “yes” to everything I don’t want and “no” to everything I do want. Sounds like a typical parent, right?

A couple of weeks ago, I felt a passion to do and accomplish something like I had never felt before. This certain thing was a good and honorable thing that would consume many hours of my life and I was willing to jump in full-heartedly. However, it was only two days in when I started to hear God’s voice. His voice wasn’t audible to my ears, but I knew in my heart that He was telling me “no”.

I argued with God for more than a week. I listed all the good things that could come of my new venture. I thought about all the people I could help and reach for His glory. I would remind God that I was doing this for Him. But the more I negotiated and continued to make my own plans (similar to Jonah), the less peace I had. Isn’t it amazing that God takes away our peace when we are straying from His will?

I didn’t get on the ship. I would like to say that the reason I didn’t get on the ship was because I am spiritually mature than Jonah. However, I have to honestly say that my heart was weary of trying to hide from God. I had no peace and I knew I would be absolutely miserable if I went any further. So, I threw away my plans and stayed on the shore, watching my ship of grand ideas drift out to sea. I cried a few tears and turned around, drudging toward Nineveh and the things that I knew were God’s will for my life. Is this the path I would have chosen for my life? No, but there are great things that are about to happen in Nineveh—things that will reveal God’s glory more than I ever could with my own ambition.

Often, I wonder what would have happened if I had gotten on the ship and went ahead with my own plans. First, I would have been miserable without the peace of God. But I also wonder how long it would have been before the storm came and I was thrown overboard—my plans and dreams along with me.

God’s will for your life will be accomplished. Sometimes, we decide to try our own plans for a while, but we are only prolonging our journey to true peace and contentment. Don’t get on the ship of stubbornness and self-fulfillment. Stay on the shore and in the peace of God.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for guiding us through life and loving us too much to let us wander wherever we would like. Grant us the courage to stay on the shore and leave our own plans behind. We want to follow wholeheartedly after You—no matter the cost. Help us to die to self, pick up our cross, and follow You. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I Will Follow (Lyric Video)” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Tessa Huckstep grew up in rural Illinois. She was born to Christian parents and has known Jesus Christ personally since the age of five.

Currently, Tessa is attending community college and majoring in elementary education. In the future, she plans to teach in the public school system, hoping to bring the love of God with her.

Tessa enjoys being active in her local church. She serves as a co-teacher for the two-to-five year old class where there is never a dull moment.

It is Tessa’s passion to be a girl after God’s own heart and through her studying of God’s Word, Tessa longs to draw closer to her Savior. Through her writing, she longs to take others with her on this journey of faith.

Tessa loves all things Regency, needlework, and dainty teacups of every size.

When she isn’t writing or studying for exams, she can be found in the kitchen with more flour in her hair and on the floor than in the bowl, though the mess is always half the fun!

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Connect with Tessa:
Blog: https://beautifulbeloved937002841.wordpress.com/