I had this post outlined...a picture in place...scheduled and ready for today.
Then I came across the quote in the photo. (I unabashedly note that I came across it on Pinterest!)
It stopped me right in my hurriedly typed tracks--causing me to think, to ponder, and to pray.
I highlighted the previous text I had quickly typed down and rethought my words.
This time of year we fondly look back over the days past so quickly. Red and green decorations are put away in attics and basements, while holiday vacations are heartily enjoyed. As December 31st draws nearer and nearer, lists begin to write themselves in the minds of more than one eager to start afresh.
Resolutions, promises, goals--all in the name of a "fresh start"--are planned out sincerely, jotted down with an air of nobility, and January 1st comes at midnight. This day signals the beginning of a new year, a fresh start filled with opportunity, hope and promise.
I know I have more than just a few "goals" in my mind...though I must admit that the perfectionist in me rears its ugly head as I attempt to plan how I will carry these goals to completion. I've said it before and I'll say it again--I have been kicked in the rear more on one occasion off of my self made pedestal of pride and self focus. Not only can we not plan the future, we cannot even plan our days. Yes, we can organize, seek to be productive and God can bless that.
But it is when we have an agenda in our minds.......
Not only can I not plan the future, I cannot even plan my days. Yes, I can make an effort to organize and be productive--and I have no doubt God can bless that. It is when I have this super woman agenda in MY mind, that crowded list of "must-do's", that I lose sight of not only God's plan, but I lose sight of
God's
sovereign
grace.
God, in His sovereignty, has already known my days since the beginning of time; His fingers have handpicked the interruptions, the "accidents" and yes, I firmly believe, the trials in my life--for His ultimate glory. They are all refining tools for His glory and our benefit.
Now...I'm not knocking making resolutions or goals; its good to have those! I'm just saying that, from experience, these good things can quickly turn sour when our eyes leave our Sovereign Lord and His will.
As A.W. Tozer said in the above picture, "God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible. What a pity we plan only the things we can do by ourselves." I find it not only humbling that God wants to use me in such awesome ways...but truly amazing.
1 comment:
I think it helps when our goals are not unreasonable -- when we realize that we will never be Superwoman and cannot possibly accomplish Miracles in our own life. We do the best we can, and ask God to bless our efforts, fallen and pathetic as they may be. But ultimately, we must remember that any success on our part in keeping those Resolutions is owing to Him more than ourselves. Only then do they become doable.
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