Present / Plans

For the last week I've been racing through life pedal-to-the-metal with my hair on fire. I've dreamed some big dreams, gotten a lot done, preached several times, met some great people, foolishly hurt two good friends, made the most of a few rare opportunities and completely missed what should have been one very big moment.  I honored a great man and his wife before their entire congregation. I blessed a pastor who blessed me when I was a boy. During a crucial conversation I realized I was missing a very important meeting. I did well and I did poorly.  In just one week I've burned through seven more of the days God planned for me.

I wonder how well my plans were in sync with God's.

I again find myself marveling at God's goodness, my weakness and the potential in a prayerful life.  When I prayerfully give myself to God's plans and purposes, my steps make sense even when my life does not.  When I pray I remember God expects my participation in each moment.  He also reminds me my plans have consequences.

Like Aaron and Tracy before they were married - enjoying their life in this moment and planning their future together - day after day I'm in two places at once.

I'm in the moment. I'm in the future.  I'm both places at once.

I stand on the foundation I built yesterday, facing consequences surging up from past plans, decisions, successes and failures. I also stand in my own personal War Room of strategic initiative, poised for tomorrow's friendships, journeys and adventures. I live where the past and the future collide. 

So today I'm going to keep praying. It's the only way I can hope to order my steps for tomorrow as I'm taking each step today.

Jeremiah 29:11  -   I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.

Comments

[J Aquila]

Mark,

This post was a huge blessing to me today. I've been struggling lately and this week has already been rough. Your words have resonated with me today, and I wanted you to know that it and another encounter has redirected my vision to higher things. Thank you for your leadership and honesty.

[Tina]

You keep praying and I will keep praying for you.

I've missed reading your posts and I've missed seeing you at church. I hope you were able to put out the fire before your skin felt the flames.

[leslie petersen]

You're right Mark. When I am praying consistently life makes sense. I love this post! It reminds me to ask myself how in sync am i and am i even getting close to my potential . i love reading your blog, it's very thought provoking. thank you for taking the time...it matters.

[David Walters]

Mark,

You could add that you preached in Braselton, GA at The Vine on Sunday during One Prayer. Our congregation was blessed by your message. We had some focus on Christ for the first time, some re-focus on Christ, some dedicated themselves to walk in the light, and all of us marked the moment on Sunday. Thanks for your post and your passion!
DW

[Ron Windbigler]

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I too needed to hear this, there isn’t a day that has gone by in the last year that I have not asked my wife, "how am I going to do everything I have to do today" Although so much of what I "have to do" is what I want to do, it does still stress me and I needed to be reminded that "God knows the plan he has for me"

RW

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