Plans for Change

The Man Minute sixty second investments in Christ-like manhood  

I listened to a friend of mine preach a message centered around a verse that is familiar to us all. "Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)

He told me that quite often he'll ask his church, "Where are we going in our journey with God?" - and they respond - "We don't know!"

It's not that my soul brother is trying to communicate that as followers of Christ we should neglect any attempt to plan. I think, in fact, I know, that my preacher friend is on target with his theology because the truth of the matter is we never really know where God is taking us. We can plan all we want, but how many of you reading this Man Minute today are in a job, a church, a relationship, a situation of life ... that you never, ever thought you'd be in today?

I can say "amen" to that. When I signed on with Jesus, I never dreamed I'd be doing what I'm doing today. Never forget, friend, that being a Jesus follower means that you and I are ... followers. We don't lead God. He leads us.

The older I get, the more I value a good plan. A good plan has kept me on target in many, many life situations. However, I never want to mistake "maturity" for what is actually a manic form of insecurity in being afraid to change courses simply because I have no clue what that course may bring.

My wife, Michelle, is a self-professed, high octane control freak who values a secure daily plan. She taught me a great spiritual truth at a time in her life when she had no control whatsoever. I came home one day and she said, "You know, I've been reading Psalm 119. I crave security, but God has shown me that a lamp to my feet is not a spotlight shining miles down the road. It's a light to the path just ahead of my next step."

Oh Great God ... deliver all of us from the addiction of wanting to know what You have coming in our future. Heaven is our home. The rest is just a journey. Teach us to have fun as we walk along the path.

www.jasoncruisespeaks.com and www.outdoorministrynetwork.com