Monday, November 18, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

 

My Plans, Your Plans, HIS Plans

 

Romans 12:6 In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.

  

While playing with his toys this past weekend, my three-year-old grandson suddenly stopped and began "preaching" about the Holy Spirit. I, too, stopped what I was doing and asked if he wanted to be a pastor like his dad. Of course, his answer was "YES".

 

Since my son-in-law is a pastor, helping his son to fulfill this calling would not be difficult to do. However, what happens if children indicate interests in career choices that are entirely contrary to the dreams of their parents?

 

Max Lucado, best-selling author, writer, and pastor, has written almost 100 books with 80 million copies in print. In one of his writings, he referred to himself as a "mechanical moron" and stated that his father, on the other hand, loved to repair engines. He admitted to attempting to learn about machines to have this in common with his father but that his love was for books.

 

Max Lucado posed a very important question in this writing: "What does a mechanic do with a son who loves books?" His answer ...." He gives him a library card. Buys him a few volumes for Christmas. Places a lamp by his bed so he can read at night. Pays tuition so his son can study college literature in high school."

 

In yesterday's devotion, we were challenged to always search for the value in the lives of others as well as the extreme value in our own lives. Max Lucado's father realized that his value in loving and repairing engines was of great benefit for those who needed his services. BUT, thankfully, he was able to put aside his possible dreams for his son to help him fulfill the desires of his heart. He recognized the value in the life of his son.

 

Today's scripture tells us that God has given ALL of us different gifts for doing certain things well....He made us all unique. As stated in Jeremiah 29:11, God has a plan for our lives to prosper us as well as to give us hope and a future.

 

My challenge to you today is to provide the necessary encouragement to those God has placed in your life to help them fulfill His plans for their lives. Understand that part of His plan for that individual's life could very well be dependent upon YOUR contributions!

 

Dear Lord, You tell me in Isaiah 55:8 that "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways." Open my eyes to Your plans for the individuals placed in my life. Help me to always trust and heed You when my plans for them may differ.

 

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.