On The Road Again

God is on the move once again. After just 7 months being back in Orlando, Florida, I am packing my bags again to make another major transition back to New Jersey. I wish God would make up His mind. :) I have a deep desire to settle down and rebuild a root system. But, God has other plans in mind. I must be patient and obedient since I can not see what lies ahead. Spiritual warfare is at an all time high around this issue. My flesh is angry and exhausted, my spirit is broken, but my relationship with Christ burns like a roaring fire. In my weakness, I feel God's almighty strength.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. – 2 Timothy 2:7

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. - James 1:2-3

No one can comprehend "why" I am on the road again. At this time, I can't even begin to explain in rational or practical terms the answer. This is so far removed from MY Master Plan. The only explanation I can give, Mark 8:34, …he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Onward.

Father, continue to build my character so I may be more reflective of your son Christ Jesus. Give me peace, wisdom, and supernatural understanding on the meaning behind this unexpected transition. Repair the broken knee so it may be a testimony of your awesome power.

Developing a Plan for Your Life

I have heard this so many times, but I really needed to hear it today. If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans. If you are anything like me, you find yourself creating plans only to have them completely altered. A wise man in one of my bible studies in Celebration, Florida once said, "I wish God would through me some curve balls. I feel like I have been given this perfect life with no hurricanes or tornados to challenge my world. I wish He would be so kind and shake things up a little bit." On one hand, I really envy him. I am constantly praying to see a glimpse of what his life is like. But, in reality there was a great lesson learned by what he was saying. You really are not growing unless you are challenged. Change = Challenge. A life with little or no challenges can be the ultimate curse verses blessing. In baseball, you can't become a better 3rd baseman unless a million balls are hit at you and your chest becomes black and blue. As much as I plead with God to stop throwing me curve balls, I know He has my best interest at heart. I also know His plan is always better than mine. It always has been; therefore, I have reason to believe it always will be. So, if someone ever asks you, "do you have a plan?" The best answer to give, "Yes, I am on God's plan". You might sound lost and unsettling because this is not the answer people are looking for when they asking you the "What's your plan question". But, everything else is truly meaningless unless your plan entails His directions. Unfortunately, His timing does not always match your expectations or desires. This means you have to be focused and steadfast in your faith knowing He will revieal His plan when the time is right. Which plan are you on, God's or your own?

Developing a plan with God
Here are some steps to take in order to make this happen.

1) Find a place where you can truly feel His presence and pray with God. Ask Him to reveal what His plans are on a micro or macro level.

2) If you are at peace with not having a plan, you are probably on the right track, especially if you are the type of person who needs everything perfectly in order. This usually means you are able to feel God's grace and hand in your life. However, this does not give you the right to be lazy. You need to constantly be seeking His plan. But only on His time, He will give you some clues or reveal what His plans are during the course of your journey. When you get your marching orders, be passionate and bold.

3) Don't be afraid to interact with others and see if God is speaking to you through them. Godly men and women will never make you feel ashamed for being venerable and not having all the answers. In all reality, anyone who thinks they have the answer is the person who has no clue. I sometimes think I have all the answers. This is when I need to check myself or have someone else check me so I can realize again how clueless I am.

Resource: Interview with God

Bible Reference (NASB): Isaiah 8
Isaiah 8:9-10

9"Be broken, O peoples, and be shattered;
And give ear, all remote places of the earth.
Gird yourselves, yet be shattered;
Gird yourselves, yet be shattered.
10"Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted;
State a proposal, but it will not stand,
For God is with us.