When It Doesn't Go Your Way

I have control issues. Just ask my family, I like being in charge and always planning ahead of time. It worries me when things do not go my way or go according to plan. However, I am actually never in control. I have this illusion in my head of total control of my life. Instead of worrying, I should rest in the fact that our all-knowing God has a holy plan that surpasses all of my expectations.

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 says,

¹¹ To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power, ¹² so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul is writing to the Thessalonians, praying that they would realize God's plan is worthy. Then in 2 Timothy 1:8-9, Paul again speaks of this "holy calling."

⁸ Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, ⁹ who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace, which He gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.

God makes us worthy of His calling. I come across these, what I like to call, "control issues," often in my life. God's plans tend to be different than mine. A lot. Every time, I fight it, struggle with it, and question His plan. Yet, He always proves me wrong.

Even though I question His plan, it is always better. He is the one that calls me to leap. He did not choose to use me for His glory because of who I am, but because of who He is. He is an Almighty God who can use sinners like me for His amazing works.

I have this tiny plan. Maybe it's my next job, or the college I will attend. Those seem like big decisions, but when you put them in comparison to God's eternal purpose, it's nothing. We get to be a part of His eternal purpose. So when things don't go my way, maybe I should think of His plan. It is always better. But even so, as I struggle, I am comforted by this short phrase from 2 Timothy 2:13, "If we are faithless, He remains faithful."

God made me, a filthy sinner, worthy of His calling. His grace and faithfulness amazes me every day. Maybe, I won't get my way this time, and I probably won't understand either. However, I will continue to rest in His plan and follow His all-knowing, holy calling.