Purpose

"Many plans are in a person's heart, but the LORD's purpose will prevail." -Proverbs 19:21

This verse, found in the Book of Proverbs, is a verse that continues to keep showing up over the past year.  It resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds.  It speaks to the human experience we live through in life.  We are always planning and hoping, and the ultimate reality is that God's plans always take precedence and show up. Have you ever had a situation where you thought you were on the right path or have everything planned only to have God’s plan show up for you?

Planning and Hoping

As humans, we are planners. Some may be better at it than others, but everyone is a planner.  We set goals, make resolutions, and devise different strategies to achieve our desires both in our professional and personal lives.  We always hope for the best, dreaming of a future filled with happiness, success and fulfillment. These plans are sometimes deeply rooted in our hearts, well thought out and represent our aspirations and ambitions.

However, the verse reminds us that our plans, no matter how carefully crafted or earnestly pursued, are not always guaranteed to come to fruition. Life is full of different seasons that often offer different uncertainties and unforeseen circumstances. These can often disrupt even the best plans.  

It could be an unforeseen medical diagnosis, loss of a job or miscarriage that we could have never prepared for.  These often lead to hopes and dreams dashed leaving us feeling lost and uncertain what the future may hold for us.

God's Purpose

Yes, these seasons will come and go throughout life. Often, we may never truly understand why something happens until a much later date or never.  It is important to always understand our human view is so small in comparison to God’s plan for us.  He sees the big picture and a much more comprehensive view of the world than we can ever imagine. He understands each of our stories, who we are and how each of us are connected. God’s plans for us are not merely about our personal desires or ambitions, but about His greater glory and the good of all creation.

The verse in Proverbs emphasizes that "the LORD's purpose will prevail." This means that God's plans are ultimately the ones that will be realized, regardless of our own desires or efforts. While we may have our own ideas about what we want to achieve in life, God's plans for us are always superior and more beneficial.

Trust

In the face of uncertainty and disappointment, the verse encourages us to trust God. This means recognizing that God is in complete control of our lives and that His plans for us are ultimately good. Even when something unexpected happens or our plans just fall apart, we can find comfort that God is always there working behind the scenes for us.

This is very difficult to do at times, but continually seeking God’s guidance and direction will help us navigate through life. Instead of doing things alone, ask God to help.  Instead of giving up, allow God to walk with you to help map out your next steps.

It’s okay

It may be easier to blame someone or even God for the current situation.  It may be easier to just avoid a situation or bottle it up for another day.  It may be easier to give up or make an excuse for not achieving something.  If you are feeling this, what I say to you is, “It’s okay.”

I remember vividly still to this day asking God, “Why me? Why my family?” After we had our fourth miscarriage.  Miscarriages and loss took up years of our life, countless heartaches and emotions. It took us places I wish to never visit again. This was not what we signed up for, but God had a bigger plan for our lives. Without going through our losses, Puzzled would have never been formed. Without loss, our story would be so different and countless people around the world would not know they are loved even after a loss.

Your story is not done even in the most challenging times. Proverbs 19:21 is a reminder that our plans are ultimately secondary to God's purpose. He knows our story, our hope and dreams.  We must always be willing to surrender to our plans and dreams to him. By trusting him and seeking His guidance, we can find peace and contentment, even in the midst of life's challenges. We will reach our greatest heights by allowing him to help guide our steps!

XOXO

Mark