Yes, God Has A Plan!

Over the past several days, two things happened that "shook my world" up a bit! Mind you, this is definitely not the first time such shaking has happened! I thought to myself and even commented to friends that you'd think that I'd be used to "shake-ups" by now. But, I'm not. I'm sure you all know exactly what I am taking about. The initial impact of such shaking can be quite emotional as we try to absorb the implications of these events and the change(s) they bring.

Over the past few years, primarily since the severe onset of Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, and Carpal Tunnel,  I have a notebook that is in process of being filled with Holy Spirit-inspired writings, some paired with original artwork. Thus far, these writings serve as an inspiration and encouragement, not only for myself, but for others with whom they have been shared. For this, I give thanks and praise to my Heavenly Father! Each time I go back through and read them, I am amazed at this gift the Lord has given me and how he paired them with artwork created apart from the writings. Yes, He certainly has a plan, a good plan.

Sometimes, we hear preachers telling us that sickness, disease, pain, sorrow, trouble, and/or  persecution have no right in our lives if we are born-again believers in Jesus Christ. This is not necessarily true. We all are wonderfully and uniquely created with purpose. However, we live in a sin-filled world. We have freedom to choose how we will live - how and what we will believe. Others have that choice as well. Sometimes, though, we do not always make good choices. I am one of those.

 Life is a process of growth and learning. Everyone's choices affect someone in some way, sometimes more than others. We also have the choice as to how we will respond to those shake-ups, to those hurts, to that loss, to that pain.

Now, I will be the first to admit that the shake-ups I have encountered pale in comparison to what many others have experienced, but we are not called to compare ourselves to others. Each person's experiences may share similarities to others' experiences, but each will have significant and unique aspects. They are personal. Often the path through these hard places involves dealing with  a wide range of emotions, many that come and go at different times and might not make sense. Grief comes. We have choices to make. It is not always easy.

Will we choose to use these hard places as an excuse to harbor hatred and and bitterness, to only see ourselves as victims? Will we choose to seek vengeance? OR ... Will we use these hard places as stepping stones to learning and growth? Will we choose to see them as an opportunity to learn valuable lessons and develop empathy and compassion for others? Will we choose to exercise forgiveness?

As I was contemplating the reality of how we all encounter such shake-ups,  which can manifest in any number of ways, the Holy Spirit inspired me to create another composition a couple of days ago about these hard places. The examples included are only a few of the many God has given us in His Word.  Here it is (with some additions and typographical corrections -hoping I have caught them all!) :

God Has A Plan

Joseph was the favored son
His father blessed him with a special coat
His brother were jealous and bitter
They looked for a way to get rid of him

But, God had a plan.

In their selfishness
They neglected to consider the pain
They would cause their father

They did not think about long-term repercussions
Only their own disdain and hatred at the moment
Let's get rid of the problem , they said
Life will be better
So, they thought!

But, God had a plan.

Joseph endured some very hard places
Yet God was with him
Every step of the way

God had a plan.

Through the pit where his brothers put him
Through the journey with the slave traders
To whom his brothers sold him

God had a plan.

Joseph ended up in Pharaoh's palace
He was favored by the king

But, Joseph encountered more hard places

Still, God had a plan.

Through the lies and false accusations of Potiphar's wife
Through the years in the dungeon, as God used him
To interpret dreams of fellow prisoners
Who quickly forgot him when called before Pharaoh

God still had a plan - a greater plan

Potiphar had a dream
No one could interpret its meaning
Joseph was remembered
Joseph was brought up out of the dungeon

God gave him the interpretation
God gave him favor and elevation!

God indeed had a plan - a greater plan!

Through it all
Joseph remained faithful
Through it all
God remained faithful

God worked it out for good
God brought restoration
God brought reconciliation

God, indeed, had a plan!

And

He has a plan for you.
He has a plan for me.

Yes, He did come that we would have life, life more abundantly
Yes, by His stripes we were healed
Yes, He was wounded for our transgressions
Yes, He was bruised for our iniquities.

Yes, He was the last and perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness and remission of sin.

Yes, He is our banner
Yes, He is our peace
Yes, His right hand upholds us.

But, He never promised us a life free from trouble

He did Promise that He would walk through it with us
He did Promise that He would be right there with us

Just as He was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace
Just as He was with Daniel in the lion's den*
Just as He was with Stephen as he was stoned to death for preaching the gospel
Just as He was with Paul & Silas when they were throne into the dungeon and restrained with heavy shackles for preaching the gospel

God was there
God had a plan

And

For you, He has a plan
Even when you do not understand

Will you Trust Him
Will you Remain in Him
Will you let Him walk with you

Through whatever plan He has for your life

To strengthen you
To enable you
To bring Glory to Him
To be a witness for Him
To live out His plan
To be salt and light to a world of lost people bound by darkness.

* In this particular scripture, I believe that the lions represent Satan, our enemy, who stalks about seeking those from whom he wants to steal, and those he wants to kill and destroy.

Some scripture references for this blog and "God Has A Plan":
Genesis, chapters 37-50
Psalm 105: 16-22
Romans 8: 18-39
I Peter 5:8-10
Daniel, Chapter 6
Isaiah, Chapter 53