Discover the Perfect Plan

“The will of God is never exactly what you expect it to be. It may seem to be much worse, but in the end it’s going to be a lot better and a lot bigger.”
—Elisabeth Elliot

'The will of God is never exactly what you expect it to be. It may seem to be much worse, but in the end it’s going to be a lot better and a lot bigger.'—Elisabeth Elliot Click To Tweet

My Plan

My plan for my life did not include a child who would have verbal language of only a dozen or so words.

God’s did.

My plan for my life did not include a child who would still need help dressing at the age of 15.

God’s did.

My plan for my life did not include a child who would need lifelong care.

God’s did.

My plan for my life was good. 

God’s plan for my life was perfect.

My plan for my life was good. God's plan for my life was, and continues to be, perfect. Click To Tweet

A Different Plan

Fifteen years ago today we welcomed home a daughter. A little girl who captured our hearts with her bright smile and loving heart. Yet a little girl whose health issues and delays dragged us through years of doctor and therapy appointments.

Raising Rachel—following this aspect of God’s plan—hasn’t been easy. Her life flipped our world into the realm of special needs. Something that was not in my plan. Something that exposed my weak and fragile faith. 

Although God has brought us a long way, I still don’t pretend to have it all together. There are still some days that are just plain hard. Times when I sob, scream, and cry out in desperation. And it will likely get harder.

I still wrestle with questions. I don’t know all that the Lord has in store for Rach. I don’t know why God created her with global developmental delays. I’m not sure exactly how He will use her.

But amid the unanswered questions, there now runs a vein of peace and contentment. 

Walking in God’s Will

Because there is much joy in walking in God’s will.

I’ve seen enough glimpses of God’s show in my life and in the life of my daughter to trust in His faithfulness. To know He is guiding all of our lives according to His will and for our good.

Because of my daughter, I am a different person than I was. Rachel has helped transform me into a much kinder, gentler, more patient and compassionate being.

She has helped many see life, joy, and worth in completely different ways. She injects laughter and love into our home. 

My world and that of my family and the community we live in has been richly blessed by Rachel. Blessings that would not have been realized by following my plan. 

You may be experiencing a life that is veering off your planned course. You may be holding a map God seems to be changing. My heart goes out to you, friends. It is a scary and frustrating journey.

It will take lots of prayer and strong determination to tear up your map. Do it anyway. Because although your plan may be good,

God’s will for you is perfect. 

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25).

Although your plan for your life may be good, God's will for you is perfect. Click To Tweet

Reflections: Do you believe God has a plan for your life? Is there something preventing you from adopting His plan?

By His grace ≈

Julie

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