My Line or God’s // Proverbs 3:5-6

Have you ever seen the image that describes my plan versus God’s plan? The side that says “my plan” is a simple, short, and straight line. The other side that says, “God’s plan,” has a bunch of squiggly lines with potholes, chasms, obstacles, and unexpected events. If we are real with God and ourselves, we want to flip those pictures, don’t we? We want our side to be full of chaos and God’s to be simple, so that we find smooth sailing when we commit to God’s way. That isn’t God’s way, is it? Nope. God knows this fallen world will present all kinds of challenges, but we will make it through when we choose to walk with Him. I remember a church sign from my childhood that sticks with me still today. It said God didn’t promise smooth sailing but a safe harbor. We need to submit to God and know that we will still face the inevitable squalls, even if they are from our own wailing and tears. Even the storms we endure, though, can put us in position to help another learn to trust in God and not lean on his or her own understanding. The path in the here-and-now might not be straight as we would understand it to be, but it is in line with God’s Word, Will, and Way. Will you choose to commit to go God’s way? It might not necessarily be the line we would draw to simplify our existence, but it is in line with God’s plan for how we are to live for Him and with others in this fallen and desperate world.