We all know that college is hard. If you have spent any time at all in the college world or the "real world" afterwards, you know that it's nearly impossible to do it on your own. In light of this conclusion, here's my proposition: you're supposed to let someone else orchestrate your plans.
What? Huh? The world has told us for so very long that the only way we can succeed is to do everything on our own. That we can't trust anyone else. That it's not worth the risk to let others in. That we have to be in control and in charge in order to do anything well. That God is just a story, and not something (or someone) worth pursuing. This simply is not true!
I got an encouraging text from a friend over the weekend that said,
"We try to be in control. We like to know the plan-- the 'what's next' but the Lord is the one who guides and directs. When we surrender control to Him-- He shows us how much better and greater His plans are. How sweet it is that He 'establishes' us and knows the way that is ahead. He has our best interests at heart. He knows our desires and longings. He wants us to trust Him. So lean into Him. Seek out that plan He is establishing for you. Be committing everything you do to Him-- there is nothing He can't do. Proverbs are full of such rich language and truth. I love the way that they have such meaning and power behind them.
'To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.'
Proverbs 16:1, 3, 9 NIV"
In light of what this friend said, this is my reminder for y'all: our plans aren't enough. No matter how hard we try, the truth is that we won't be able to make it on our own. The only way that we can truly succeed is by trusting the Lord, putting our hope in Him, and leaning on His direction instead of our own. His plans are so much better. His understanding is so much higher. His intentions are always good, and they are always for His glory - no exceptions.
Rest in these truths, friend! Each moment, we need the Lord more than we have ever needed Him, and that will continue to be true until He calls us home or until He comes back. We can make plans as much as we want to, but until the moment that we seek His plan and commit our actions unto His will, we can do nothing. Where our sin runs deep, His grace is more! Hallelujah, what a savior! Will you choose to remain-- to abide-- in Him and in His gracious plans today?
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, it is he that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5, ESV)
