July 13

The Better Plan


God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

I John 3:20 NCV


God is working in you to help you want to do and be able to do what pleases him.

Philippians 2:13 NCV


For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

II Chronicles 16:9 NAS


Sometimes it takes us 40 or 50 years or perhaps even a lifetime to take hold of this truth: God is on our side ... and He has a better plan.

This is unchanging, enduring truth, but for some reason, we just don't get it, not until life beats us up, or we get tired of discovering dead ends. Something happens. Something makes us want more than the same old same old, more than we thought we wanted. Whatever it is, we decide for God. We decide to listen. We become truly interested in trying it His way--totally. In essence, we give up on ourselves.

We give up, and in that moment we grow closer to Him than we've ever been. In our hearts we want nothing more than to please Him, and in those occasional times we do stray, we come to realize the dreadful affect of not pleasing Him. It can give me the chills.

And me? Yes, I am speaking of myself more than anyone. I seek God and nothing more. This is my heart laid bare before you. This gives me my greatest satisfaction: in seeking Him, I know Him and strive to please Him. It's all Jesus wanted to do, please the Father, and there is no higher calling. None.

Down deep, this is all we really want. It's all we really need, because the simple truth has become our reality: God is on our side ... and He has a better plan.


Father, guide us deep into Your better plan. Amen.