Decisions.
I so dislike them having to make them as I want to make them wisely and do what is right before God. And so it brings struggle …
I don’t do the dry fleece, wet ground and dry ground, wet fleece as I don’t have a fleece in sight. Not mocking, just saying.
To be honest, I struggle equally as much when those I love are in the midst of making decisions. Sometimes I wonder if I take the process way too seriously.
In the midst of my current inner struggle, I have learned a few things:
- There is a plan and He does direct our steps. There is comfort in this for as each of us rely on Him and seek His plan, He will reveal and bring direction to each one of us. “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
- Mental confusion will occur in decision making days. We can rest assured, He is with us right in the midst of those days. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8) He brings clarity of thought.
- He receives our cares & concerns. We’re never left to hold the load on our own. Perhaps He created us unable to hold it ourselves so we would be dependent on Him alone.
- While we will never be trouble-free, our lives will have meaning.
I continue and read ….
“There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel – that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21)
“But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.”
(Psalm 33:11, NLT)
Intentions, according to dictionary.com –> “purpose or attitude toward the effect of one’s actions or conduct“. Synonyms include … “objective, purpose, motive and struggle.”
Did you notice the last synonym? I don’t think it is coincidental that the intentions of the Lord do not come minus a struggle. Perhaps the struggle is great because His plans are greater still. The enemy would do anything to get us off course from the intentions God has for each of our lives.
This morning my soul found peace knowing that as we each seek Him, His plan for each of our lives will be fulfilled. I found such relief in knowing He is intentional towards each of us and will not be shaken from His intents. He positions us where our gifts will be used to bless and grow others in Him.
“The Lord will work out his plans for my life – for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.” (Psalm 138:8, NLT)
Today I am joining Unite and Testimony Tuesday and Playdates With God and Titus 2 Tuesday and Titus 2sdays .
I am so glad I ventured back over to Holly’s this afternoon (afternoon for me, anyway!). You always bless me. I needed to hear this: “Perhaps the struggle is great because His plans are greater still.” ♥
Nannette, your comment brought tears. May you & your husband find strength not to give up. Praying that He would prepare hearts to hear & receive the message you are bringing!
I thank you, Jesus, that You are intentional. My life is in Your hands. I need to remember that You have plans and intentions for me. My part is waiting and obeying.
Mare, He is intentional towards you even when you don’t see Him at work.
this speaks to me today. no heavy decisions loom on the horizon, but yet I needed to be here with you as you wrote.
thanks …
Linda, so grateful you found encouragement here.
Joanne-This is just lovely. All four of your steps speak truth and I can relate in my own life. I really was struck by you posting the synonyms for intention and realizing that “struggle” is part of the list. Thank you for intentionally writing this today. I know many will be helped by this post. Blessings!
You have no idea how the word “struggle” hit me. The struggle is great as we become intentional in our pursuit of Him & His plans. So grateful for your encouragement!
” He is intentional towards each of us and will not be shaken from His intents.” there is great hope in this, Joanne. Thank you.
There is great hope in knowing He is intentional towards us & will faithfully pursue us.
Joanne, this resonates so strongly in my life! I have learned so much about the Lord through my decision-making struggles. My favorite habit was to get on the phone and call family and friends and get their opinions, etc. Now seeking wise counsel is great, but I’ve learned to seek Jesus first not my phone calls. On the days I forget and run to the phone instead, I am so stressed out and miserable! Holding on to His promises calms my anxious mind and fluttering stomach during these decisions. Thanks for your timely wisdom! The scriptures you’ve chosen are balm for my soul! Thanks Joanne!
Deb, you & me both have hopped onto the phone 🙂 And cell phones had only ingrained that habit even deeper. Believe me, this was written more for me than anyone else! I am also learning His counsel is complete as He sees the entire picture from start to finish while I only see in part. So grateful you shared with me as well, Deb!
I had to re-read this. It’s right where I am at. Thank you.
So grateful He meets us right we are at each day. May He bless & strengthen you, Michelle!
Love this –> Perhaps the struggle is great because His plans are greater still. Such a great reminder that He has a plan and is in control. Appreciate your words and sharing them with us at Testimony Tuesday. xoxo
Holly, so often the struggle has caused me to forget His plans are greater. I have so often thought His plan would come with ease. I am so grateful He gives us the strength to get through the struggle. Blessings, my friend! Dig deep!