Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is
the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21 NIV)
The holidays ending 2010 are behind us. Usually about this time, people have thought about what they’d like to change or accomplish in the new year. What things have you mapped out for 2011 that pertain to your writing? Do you have a few that are more important than others? A few that are closer to your heart?
It’s good to plan. It’s responsible. But if we set out trying to create opportunities that are not in line with God’s plan, we are doomed to fail. If we try to MAKE something happen, regardless of wise council from others to either wait or let it go, we’ll only end up banging our heads against a wall—frustrated, discouraged, and hurt.
I’ve been there. I’ve wondered why God didn’t allow something to happen, despite my pleading and a great amount of human effort.
It didn’t happen as I designed because God knew better. I know that now. Boy, do I know! ;-) And I’m so thankful that some of my plans fell through. I shudder to think where I’d be now if they hadn’t bombed.
Doors close for a reason. They close because the Lord has another direction he wants us to go—another purpose. And when that happens, we can either choose to cling to our desires—our plan—or be open to what God has in store for us.
I love the following quote:
“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” ~ Alexander Graham Bell
When deciding and plotting out what steps to take in our writing careers, shouldn’t we seek God’s desire for us? Proverbs 16:9 says, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps (NIV).”
I want and need purpose, and God’s purpose for my life is so much better than what I could humanly conceive.
What you envision for your life in 2011 … does it begin and end with God’s plan?
