Many Plans

Yesterday, my husband and I spent just about seven hours at the ER with my elderly uncle who is now spending at least the next few nights in the hospital to deal with a leg infection. And the previous day, we had spent nearly 4 hours at the ER of a different hospital with my husband's mother. She was able to return to her assisted living facility, though, but is very uncomfortable with a broken nose and thumb and a swollen knee.

My best laid plans were put aside—laundry, vacuuming, Bible study, etc. I certainly hadn't planned to be hanging out those days in emergency rooms.

I am reminded of the praise time I had with a couple friends just prior to going to the ER yesterday morning. We praised God who is our purpose using these verses:

Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand.

Proverbs 19:21 (AMP)

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:11-12 (ESV)

For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose.
Philippians 2:13 (HCSB)

After coming home that evening from the ER, I read this on my Facebook newsfeed:

I had many plans. But God had a different plan. Proverbs 19:21 played out into real life.

The same thing happens when we intercede for our children. We often have plans, many plans, as to what their lives should look like. So, it's not easy when our plans seem contrary to God's because don't we think we know what's best for our children? After all, we're their moms.

But as Paul wrote to the Philippians, God has His plan for each of our children that He has given them both the will and ability to do. The Amplified Bible puts it this way, " [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight."

That means that when we come to God with our prayers for our children, we also have to have hearts willing to let God be God over their lives. And, we have to be patient while His plan plays out in real life.