“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail” (Proverbs 19:21 NLT).
If a time-travel machine were real and available to me this morning, I’d like to take you for a quick jaunt back in time. I’d set the dial for five, ten, possibly twenty years ago and we’d zoom off to where you were at that time in your life and sit for a spell. For some of you it might be just after high school. Maybe early newlywed. Would we settle ourselves into a nursery where you’re holding your firstborn? Filling out W-2’s for your first job? At the bank signing papers on your first home?
We’d discuss how things had changed. We’d nibble on the delicacy of the time. We’d giggle at the clothing considered all the rage. And? Well, before we headed back to 2012, I’d have to ask: Are you where you thought you’d be?
Are you living the life you’d hoped to have? Have you experienced all the joys you’d hoped to enjoy? Do you have the material possessions you’d put on your ‘When I Grow Up’ list? Are you married to the man/woman of your dreams? Do you have the one, two or six children you’d decided you wanted to have?
Or are you in a different place? Some days, even a different world?
Do you catch glimpses of the reason God has you where you are today? Oh, I’m not expecting you to understand completely, but have you seen how the brushstrokes of His plan are coming together to make a beautiful masterpiece?
Has He changed your priorities? Do the things you’d hoped for in the past make you laugh? Do the dreams you’d dreamed fade in comparison to what He’s actually blessed you with? Are the knights-in-shining-armor you’d waited and primped for now rusting in someone else’s castle—and you’re very glad?
Wherever you are today, rest assured, it’s where God designed. You are who you are because of the life He’s chosen for you to live—good or bad. You have the testimony you have because He has allowed you to experience life, life as you know it. You are where you are today, standing on the edge of something wonderful, because His purpose always prevails.
Malinda Edgell
Illinois
PRAY TOGETHER: Continue to pray for God’s work among Muslims, especially during Ramadan. As followers seek to be better Muslims, any openness to the Gospel is often squelched, halted or at best, delayed during this season of the year. Pray for God’s Spirit to continue His work.
