“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Job 42.2-3

As I reflect on the past twelve months, I find how God has truly blessed me, and how everything happens at his pace; according to his plan not my own.  Twelve months ago, my life was changing rapidly looking for new employment opportunities, pursuing a calling to return to school, and a new addition to the family on the way.  How did I ever manage?! Through the faith and trust in God.  I can remember several nights asking Him how was I ever to do all of this?  Receiving outside pressure indicating I was taking too much on, the constant doubt that I was not doing what I was meant to be doing.  I threw my hands up and said “this is not my planning.  It is yours and I will follow and do what you need me to do. Give me strength.”

God told me I was not in the right position at work.  He gave me clear indications.  I became physically ill from the stress that was placed on me.  With every opportunity to advance and make changes, obstacles were set up as if to say “no”.  It was not the company that I worked for, nor was it the people.  The individuals that were there were amazing, and I don’t regret being employed there at all, God had chosen a different path for me.  He wanted me to go back to school.  So, I have entered a Seminary that provides an education online and began taking classes.  My health issues subsided.   I was on God’s path.  But being human I failed Him.  I began to worry about how I would provide for my family?  My family that would be growing.  God knows what is on the heart and what we need…So God blessed me with an evening job with Kwik Trip.  (Another amazing company who takes care of their employees.)  This afforded me the opportunity to continue taking classes and feel as if I was providing for my family.  Then came some unexpected complications with the birth of our son. Ephram Paul, our third blessing, caused my wife to be in the hospital for several days.  I was working, going to school and taking care of two little girls, all while being pulled with the desire to be in the hospital with my wife.  Ephram’s heart rate was irregular and gave us all a frightful start.  When he finally did decide to enter this world on February 20^th, the cord was wrapped around his neck.  The moment the doctors said that and quickly untangled him, my heart dropped.  I prayed that he was all right.  God saw us through.  God continues to see us through when it comes to our sweet loving, smiling, investigative, and strong Ephram.  As he recovered from a skull fracture, God blessed us with a new and loving babysitter.  As he has recovered from RSV that also developed into pneumonia placing us again in the hospital, we have become a more diligent and prayerful family.  God uses every moment to teach us how He is truly present, and everything happens according to His will not our own.

So this Lenten season I implore you to throw your hands up and trust in God’s plan.

“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.” Jerimiah 29.11

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for having a plan for me and my family.  Give me strength to realize and admit when I deviate from your plan.  Give me courage to correct my course, ignoring outside pressures and influences, for I know that is what will bring me closer to you.  Thank you for my past, my present and my future.  In your Son’s name I pray. Amen.