God's Better Plan

Jeremiah 29:11 – "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (NLT)

They had a plan, but God's better plan overruled.

Three boys in tow. That seemed enough to them. Not to God. On the day our son-in-law was to undergo a surgical procedure in Arkansas, USA, to ensure no more little ones came along, the company he once worked for in South Carolina invited him back for an interview. Job interview one, surgical procedure zero.

Our daughter has never had trouble getting pregnant, and that one little delay provided fertile ground for another little one — another boy. In fact, it seems they can have nothing but boys. And not only them but also our son and our son-in-law's sister. Not a girl in the lot.

They were okay with the pregnancy since they were always open to God's will. Before long, they were moving back to South Carolina, and nine months later, Ezra Knox appeared — quickly, I might add, just as the other three had.

On a Tuesday morning, our daughter called my wife, asking her to come and get the other boys. Her contractions were steady and three minutes apart. Fortunately, the hospital was only ten minutes away. My wife picked up the boys, and my daughter headed for the doctor, who immediately sent her to the hospital. Not long after, they gave her the epidural, and with only one push, the baby arrived.

Not the best timing for them, but then, God's plan rarely is. Their new home had just been finished, and they were in the middle of moving in. My wife and I kept the boys for the week, giving the growing family time to settle in. Luckily, our son-in-law received six weeks of parental leave to help situate things.

Regardless of how good we think our plans are, God's plans always supersede them. Good, better, and best are adjective comparisons, and God's is always the latter. God doesn't necessarily want to foil our plans, but He wants us to live out His desires. That's why it's so crucial for us to consult Him initially. This way, we don't have to adjust much, we're not shocked, and it doesn't feel as if God has stirred up our lives unnecessarily.

Although today's verse in context refers to the nation of Israel, we can also take it to heart. God's better plan entails conforming us to the image of Christ, and many little details enter the picture as He does that. Life is easier and more pleasant when we submit to that process without trying to manipulate or control what God knows is best.

Let's determine that we will follow God's plan for our lives.

Prayer: Father, help us always to seek Your plans above our own. Amen.