by Kala Loptien

The Plan

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this Sound Cloud link. 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV

Subbing in elementary school is always an adventure — especially the younger grades. One of my favorite little students (they are all my favorite) loved to be “in charge.” It’s part of her God-given personality to want all the leadership roles — line leader, door holder, paper collector, recess boss. But I also recall a few moments in the classroom where I would get down to her level and gently pose the following: “I love that you are always so helpful. Can you remind me who’s in charge today?”

For a lot of us, we like being in charge/control of our life. At surface level, that doesn’t seem so bad. We want to ensure health and safety, that there’s food on the table and a roof over our heads. To do that, we need a steady income. We also seek that love, stability and support from our Christian families/communities. Beyond that, we have dreams and desires for our lives and the lives of loved ones. The problem intensifies when we start to think we need or deserve more than what’s been given…and in our timeline. I’ve been challenged with this so frequently. Sometimes there are questions like: “why did this have to happen?” or “why hasn’t this happened?” And in His divinely-intervening fashion, God places His loving, profound truth upon my heart. This verse from Isaiah reminds us that He. Is. In. Charge.

What we need to really grasp this season is the gift of salvation. It’s critical we understand that it’s the only thing we truly need. God knew that. And He, like the good Father He is, knows what’s best for our lives. We’ll face troubles and trials, just like Jesus foretold. But we have what matters. Because of grace through faith, we don’t have to worry about our future. He has the plan…and it is good.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado