The front of the homemade booklet simply said: “We have one last
gift.”
Christmas had come and gone. All our celebrations with family
and friends were over, and my wife and I sat around on New Year’s Day, me
enjoying my final few days off from work and both of us anticipating our New
Year’s Day supper with my brother and sister-in-law.
“Chrissy texted. She and Devon are coming over,” my wife
hollered as I readied myself in the next room for our trip to my brother’s
house.
“Why now?” I asked. “We’re about to leave. They’ve had all day
to visit us.”
Within ten minutes, my daughter and her boyfriend paraded into
the house, and he presented me with a homemade folder. I already had an eerie
feeling about this day, but now it was as if I knew. My wife had tried to set
them up several years ago . . . to no avail. Neither was interested in the
other or a relationship. Then, suddenly, three years later, they were
dating—with no help from my wife in making their decision. Now, I was getting a
booklet, and I had a sneaky feeling I knew what it said—especially since my
daughter sat on the couch with one of her hands covered.
They had taken our two grandboys to the park—the same park Devon
had taken Chrissy to on their first date. I had mentored Devon for several years,
but I had never seen his romantic side. On this New Year’s Day, he took her
back—this time to propose. And the surprise in the booklet is that they wanted
my blessing. In ten months, I would have a son-in-law . . . one I would be
proud to welcome into the family.
Israel’s history with God was checkered. A mixture of obedience
and disobedience. More disobedience. But God had great plans for the nation—as
He does for all who obey Him.
Although the verse in context refers to the nation of Israel, we
can claim it as our own when we choose to follow Christ. God doesn’t create us,
stick us on earth, and let us wander. He has a purpose for us . . . a plan. And
He gives us gifts and talents and arranges our life circumstances so we can
fulfill that plan in His time and way. He is just that sovereign. Although we
are not puppets, God doesn’t respond to us. He is the potter; we’re the clay.
We can determine God's plan through prayer and the study of
God’s Word. Then, with faith and the presence of His Spirit in us, we can carry
out God’s purpose and enjoy the life He created us to live.
Time changes—and many changes occur throughout our lifetime—but each one can align with God’s plan if will seek Him.
Discover God’s plan for
yourself—even if it involves making changes.
Prayer: Father, guide us by Your Spirit through the time changes
of life.
Tweetable: How do you adapt to life's time changes?
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