DEVOTION

I bought a really nice planner at the beginning of this year. For those of us who get this, there is nothing better than the blank pages waiting to be filled in with all of the events, birthdays, important dates, etc. There is something pleasing about organizing your time and being able to look back on the things accomplished. I am far from a meticulous planner, but I am one who likes order and things to look forward to.

I like to plan–which I think is what makes this season so difficult. As I stare at the pages of my planner, there are way more blank spaces than filled-in ones, way more questions than answers.

What does the foreseeable future look like? Will masks be a forever thing? Should we take that trip?

Now more than ever, we are asking these questions. If I am honest, a deep part of me wants all of the questions answered and all of the space in my calendar filled out. Through all of this, God has been revealing to me my need for control and lack of trust in what he ultimately has planned.

Proverbs 19:11 reminds us, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.”

As odd as it sounds, my empty planner has also reminded me of this. A reminder that I am not in control of the outstanding questions. A reminder that I do not have to have it all figured out or planned. More so, a reminder that I am responsible for how I choose to live out the purposes of the Lord.

So, even though we do not have all of the answers to the questions, even though our calendars do not have start or stop dates, even though we are unsure of tomorrow, nothing we are questioning is unanswered to God. He has all the answers, and our job is to trust in him and be obedient to the next thing he puts in our path.

I challenge you this week to truly seek God first and go to him with your unanswered questions. I am confident that while you may not get the answer you were expecting, he will fill your heart with peace and remind you of his unchanging faithfulness and care in your life.

Here’s to filling in those blank spaces with the things that will stand. Here’s to celebrating with loved ones in unique ways, taking time to care for our neighbors, and setting time aside to pray for what is on our hearts. While the scheduled events might be lacking, how we can plan to show our love for God and his people does not have to be.

PRAYER

Jesus,

It can sometimes be challenging to not have all the answers to our questions or know what is coming next. Help fill our hearts with your peace and remind us how faithful you are, all the time. Give us opportunities to show your love to those around us.

We love you and we trust you,

Amen.

Jenny Sabiston

Crossings KIDS Early Childhood Director

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