It seems it’s been misplaced
I’ve looked in every corner
It’s lost without a trace…”
~ Beth Moore~
From the poem: “The Life I Planned”
What a fitting quote for my life! When I married my husband some 20+-years ago, I never would have thought that I would end up living in the United States. I had planned a life in Germany with my family — for the rest of my earthly life. Work part-time, keep my house in order, read when I have free time – do ‘girly’ stuff with my mom and sister — like shopping, meeting for coffee & cake, or just girl-talk.
But God had other plans for my life and the life of my family. He up-rooted me from where I felt comfortable (maybe too comfortable?) to show me a life that is grounded in Him and His promises. A life that is set-apart from my personal plans to glorify His name.
One of my favorite books by Beth Moore (I think it is actually my favorite), is “To Live is Christ: Embracing the Passion of Paul“. Just think about Paul’s background! I am sure that his plans were far from what God’s plan was for him. Paul’s plan was to eradicate Christians — God’s plan: a witness to the Gentiles. Wow! When I think about the times He called me to do something and I didn’t listen – Yikes! I usually follow Him, but sometimes I make a detour….
I am not sure what God’s plan is for me life, but I do know this:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
~ Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
What better plan for my life than God’s plan. I pray that I don’t take too many detours…
God’s plans for me also took me out of my comfort zone into uncomfortable zones–but much more blessings, too.
Camy
I feel sometimes my life has been nothing but detours! But I am able to look back and see that most were not by my design but by the hand of God and it does help when I look around and wonder how I got here. I am doing better at listening but still fight! 🙁 Sadly so. I love your take on this. Yes Paul certainly is an eye opener! I have been looking for a good book to read!
I loved the study of Paul, that was my first Beth Moore study and it changed my life. I love Paul because God allows us to see his human side so well, so we can relate to Paul so much; but yet see how Paul made such an impact for Christ.
Great words of wisdom.
I see this verse lived out in your writings: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Being a simple-minded person (not a deep thinker, philosopher), I never had much of a life planned out for myself. Maybe God just didn’t impress anything on me because He knew what He had planned for my life. I’m with Ame…I know it’s not me, but Christ who lives in me. Praise God for his saving grace.
detours happen occassionaly, it’s remembering to get back on the main route!
Great take on it Iris! I’m too comfortable sometimes too…
I loved your take on this qoute. I sometimes question the plans that are laid in front of me, I just pray as well that I listen closer and dont go the wrong way.
I love how this theme is running through all the writing today, that He took each of us where we least expected Him to take us. How grateful I am for all that He has done for each of us, especially as His workings in us has enabled eaach to encourage the others.
What a great topic and the verse is perfect!
I’ll bet we can each say that He had different plans for ourselves than we did. But His plans always work out better than ours would have when we look back on it!
Christie
I’m glad that our roads crossed on this trip He’s taking you on.
He does so like to get us out of our niches and makes us a better person for doing so. Wonderful post! Thanks so much for sharing.
Peter was my favorite New Testament character. I think it’s because I could relate with him & how passionate he was. He made HUGE mistakes, but his intentions were out of love & trying to protect those he loved.
It is interesting that you ended here when you never intended on it.
Big smile at the mention of Beth Moore 😉 I’ve done the study about Paul not once but twice. Life-changing.
Well, I certainly know how you feel about being uprooted! But life isn’t over yet, is it? Now that you’re an empty nester… anything is possible! More travel back home, perhaps, or a trip to San Carlos? I love being this age–just over the bridge and into the “second half of life.” The path stretches out ahead forever…