Not My Will But Yours Lord

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. (Proverbs 19:21 NLT)

He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Luke 22:41-42 NLT)

Plans in themselves are not inherently bad.  Planning is an essential aspect of our daily lives. Especially if we have families with multiple interests and activities. However, if we become so rigid in our planning and unwilling to be open to any changes, then it demonstrates our need for control. When we are trying to control our circumstances or outcomes, we attempt  to use our own authority and power. It indicates a lack of trust in the Lord to move on our behalf.

The busier our daily lives look, the more we rely on our organization systems and planning. Are we just trying to organize our daily lives, or have we set ourselves up as the ones with all authority? Do you get angry when your plans get interrupted? Unsettled or even anxious? Those are signs that we have made ourselves sovereign over our own lives.

In my line of work,  having plans and an alternative or two is necessary because patients’ health and abilities can fluctuate day to day. In all honesty, I am a planner in life as well.  There were many times that my plans ended up a disaster. Self-reliance often leads to being overwhelmed. That is the exact opposite of what Jesus promised us. He said that we could lay our cares on him and he would provide us rest (Matthew 11:28).

Thinking about how we often attempt to control our circumstances and situations, I began to think about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knew everything he would have to face. Betrayal, falsely accused, imprisoned, beaten, mocked, rejected, crucified on a cross. He could have decided it wasn’t part of his plan for his life, but he had complete trust in God’s plan for all mankind. Filled with the Holy Spirit and having a personal relationship with the Lord,  Jesus understood that God’s purpose for his life was essential.

If Jesus could trust God all the way to the cross and to the grave – bringing about salvation for all mankind – then I can trust Him with the plans I make in life. Even if He decides they need to change. Amen.