Are you the kind of person who plans everything? Do you like to have a schedule and fill your calendar space with events and errands? I am definitely a planner. I have been planning not only my weeks, but even my future since I can remember. There is nothing wrong with planning, it is wise to set a schedule, and keep track of how you are spending your time. The way this can become negative, is when you hold on too tight to the plans you have made for you future and fail to acknowledge God’s plan for your life. What is your initial reaction to changed plans? Let me tell you mine. If I have a plan that is changed, I automatically try and fill it with another plan, so that my day can be put back together. I like to have something concrete. To me, plans are concrete, and I can count on them to happen. I don’t like the ambiguity of life. I want to know what is coming next, always.

God doesn’t work this way though. He will ask you to do something, and you have no idea how it is going to play out, or what it is going to look like. I have made plans for my future and God has called me to something else, which ended up being even greater than the plan I had made for myself. I would have never known that unless I yielded to Jesus. One of the biggest decisions you make in your life, beside following Jesus and choosing your spouse, is your career. I had planned this out, (or so I thought) when I was 18. I grew up singing all my life, and I wanted to have a career in music, and I wanted to attend a Christian University in Nashville that had a great music program. I went to the college to tour it and learn more about it. I had filled out and application and was completely set on going there. My plan was concrete to me. I was secure in the future I was creating for myself. I prayed about this decision and I felt that God called me to go to school in California, and more specifically, Biola University. At first, I rejected it. I wanted to be a singer, and I wanted to live in Nashville. I spent a lot of time praying about this decision, and God’s desire became my desire. I didn’t want to live in Nashville any more, and I wanted to attend Biola University. Not only that, but I wanted to be a writer, instead of a singer. My plan was completely washed away by God’s perfect one. If I would have moved, I wouldn’t be writing this article right now, I wouldn’t have had any of the opportunities I now have.

I am so glad, that I have a God who knows me better than I know myself. I am so thankful, that he knew what I would love, more than I did. I believe that God gives us all desires, and can change our desires. Maybe you’re a planner, and have already given God your 5 year plan. May I encourage you to, instead of asking God to make those things happen, to ask Him what he wants to do and just allow Him to lead you in His plan for you life. Can I tell you that it is so much greater than anything you have in mind.

Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” New International Version

If you are struggling with letting go and allowing God to lead you in your life, can I encourage you and let you know you are not alone. I still struggle with this, and have to fight the urge to control and plan out my life. God is always changing plans, and ultimately the plans he has for us are so much greater. So today, allow yourself to mentally throw out your plans and embrace God’s. I am telling you, it will blow your mind to see God’s beautiful plans unravel.

2 Corinthians 3:17 “For the Lord is the Spirit and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.” New Living Translation

There is freedom in letting go, and following Jesus.

Colossians 3:1-2 “So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.” The Message

New International Version (NIV)

New Living Translation (NLT)

The Message (MSG)

Yielding to God's Plan