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Half Full

    As I talked about yesterday, our plan rarely aligns with God's plans for our life. He is always surprising us and taking us directions we never imagined were possible. We thank Him for this because it really is an amazing gift. But what is our reaction when things do not go as planned or expected in our life? How do we react when we do not get that promotion at work, relationships we thought would last fall through, weekend plans are cancelled, a traffic jam makes us late, etc. The list goes on and on. Life is full of disappointments, how do you handle them?

    It is easy to be upset when things don't go our way. We get angry with Jesus and ask Him why it didn't work out for us. "I prayed for this promotion, Jesus. I worked hard and I deserve it. Why didn't you come through for me?" But did you ever stop to consider that there might be more to the story that we cannot see? What if Jesus needs you in your current position at work to minister to someone? What if that traffic jam allowed you to stay out of a car accident?  We hear testimonies about these sorts of things all the time, but usually on a larger scale. I believe Jesus does so much work behind the scenes that we may never see, even with the "small" stuff.

    I challenge you to change your perspective. Trust that Jesus has a plan that is bigger than yours. He sees everything in everyone's lives and is not limited to your vantage point. Instead of being upset when things do not go your way, thank Jesus that He is looking out for you even when you don't see Him. Be open to Jesus using circumstances you consider less than ideal as a lesson for you, and humbly allow yourself to be taught. Jesus is in everything if you simply open your eyes.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (ESV)

 Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. (ESV)

 Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (ESV)

Isaiah 55:8-9 “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 way and my thoughts than your thoughts. ” (NIV)

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