Tuesday of Week Three
Trusting in God’s Plan
“In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.” —Proverbs 16:9
If anyone knows me for any length of time, they’ll figure out quickly that “be still” is an almost impossible task. The tornado of noise that is ever present within my own head keeps thoughts constantly disjointed. I’ve learned to embrace it. I think it makes me a better teacher because I understand the struggles many of my students are challenged with. Even with persistent mental chaos interrupting my inner peace, God has a way of tunneling through it all and speaking to me. I know it’s him because he is precise and concise. His spiritual wakeup call stops me in my tracks. It is exactly what I need to get me out of the mindset that was not part of his plan. Unfortunately, my own ambitions get in the way of seeking God’s voice first.
A couple of years ago while in Washington D.C. for a summit, I had the opportunity to visit a Society of Friends weekly meeting. My grandmother was a Quaker, and I was excited to experience something so special to her. I was fortunate to be apprised of the expectations before the meeting began. In a meeting, you are not provided scripture, a message, a praise song, anything familiar to my upbringing. You are to gather in a seated circle with fellow believers and be still, silent, listening intently for God’s message. For an hour, I sat in silence, but in my own head I asked God one question on repeat, “What’s next?” For several months prior, I was researching doctoral programs and needed to know if this was an endeavor that was in my future. However, I never prayed about it. So now, I asked, “What’s next, God?” And waited for his succinct reply.
Within that hour, I heard no voice, no whisper, no breath, even the tick of the air conditioner faded away. I was engulfed in silence from head to toe. And THAT was His message, and it was clear. Be. Still. STOP. Just. Be. There is no NEXT. Be a blessing for what you already have, what is already in front of you.
We shared what God revealed to us, then walked out into the cacophony of busy streets renewed. I remember that day quite often. I had peace within myself to just be. I pray you find your quiet and be still.
Author: Jan Martinez
Personal Reflection:
Think of a time when your plans didn’t go the way you expected. How did God use that situation for good? How can you surrender your current plans to Him?
Daily Action:
Encourage someone who is facing uncertainty. Share a time when God guided your steps unexpectedly and remind them to trust His plan.
