Devotionals for the Heart: God's Plan

His Plan, Not Mine
A devotional by Casey Wayne

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” –Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

A few years ago I decided to start gardening as a new hobby.

It was meant to be something to bring me peace and a sense of accomplishment. I was excited to have something new to try and I was determined to do the research to make it a successful endeavor. To my surprise, it became a more frustrating learning experience than I expected. It quickly started to feel like every time I resolved one potential issue then something else arose. Pests, water management, pruning, etc. It started to leave my head spinning as I tried to control every detail.

By season two and three I started to realize the best thing I could do was create the best conditions I could but let go of the ultimate outcome. I couldn’t control every factor and would exhaust myself trying. To top it off, in the midst of trying to control it all I certainly wasn’t able to enjoy the parts of the garden that was successfully growing.

Even this year, I had a vision and plan for how it would go. Vegetables and wildflowers alongside fruiting bushes was my goal. My hope. My plan. In the end, it turned out different. Pests, little rain, and distractions of life changed the plan. Pivots were made and I began focusing more on the butterfly garden with its beautiful daily visitors. I had a plan, but have learned to not hold so tightly to it that I miss the beauty when plans change.

Are you like me and sometimes hold too tightly to your plans in life?

I have a tendency to be so focused on my vision and plan for my life that I become oblivious to what God has for me. Over the years, the Holy Spirit has taught me to hold my plans loosely. To prioritize giving God the space to pivot my steps, to guide my heart, and provide wisdom for my life. James 3:17 (ESV) tells us, “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”

There is peace and hope for the future, but we have to be willing to release our control over it and intentionally place it in the hands of our Lord and Savior.

I've learned how important it is to trust God’s faithfulness and guidance. Each day there is a choice to live in faith, trusting God’s wisdom for our lives, or to live based on the world’s wisdom. Scripture reminds us to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and not to rely on our own thoughts or feelings (Proverbs 3:5). Our sinful nature draws us into Satan’s lie that having more control will bring us more peace in our life. This is your reminder of God’s truth that a life surrendered to Father’s will brings life and an indescribable peace even in the middle of life’s storms (Philippians 4:7).

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for your faithfulness yesterday, today, and all of my tomorrows. As I release my plans and my future to You, give me peace, wisdom and discernment to guide my daily steps. I pray for the strength to wake up each morning and choose to place my hope and trust in my Lord and Savior (Jesus Christ).

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Your Way Yahweh” Jeremy and Adrienne Camp. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Casey Wayne is a wife and mother of two children. 

She enjoys time with her family doing simple things like movie nights and cooking together.

As a devotional writer, Casey strives to share her story with relatable honesty, showing how God is faithful throughout the big and small moments of life.

She has a heart for encouraging the faith walk of other moms, praying they gain a deeper connection with our Heavenly Father.

Her family lives in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia.

~*~
Connect with Casey:
Website: https://www.caseywayne.org/
Blog: https://peaceoffaith.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caseylwayne
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Peace.of.FaithCaseyWayne