God's Plan is Still Good, by Connie Smith

Connie and her husband, Dean, have probably greeted you as you've driven up to park at Church at the Bay. Her passion for the Lord and optimism are contagious.

Not long ago I was talking with God…I do that a lot…I was thinking of how I wanted a break from life. The day to day mundane of getting up to go to work, the long days and the pressure of always having someone at work plan my schedule. The not knowing from week to week if I would be home or traveling.  I just felt tired and wanted a rest. I have always worked.  My first job when I was 14 years old and I have never really had a break.  I have always taken care of myself and have been a large contributor to my family’s income.  I wanted to know what it felt like to have someone else take care of me “for a change”. I was having a “pity party”. While each day I woke I thanked God for all of the blessings He has given me, I was still tired and wanting a rest from life.

It was just a normal day to me, up early and off to work to start on the list of a number of tasks to complete.  I had deadlines coming up on two very large projects and had meetings all day.  I had flights scheduled to leave after church the next Sunday and needed to get a lot accomplished that day. While I was in one of those meetings, the senior manager in our office peeked in and asked to see me.  I thought “can you wait until I’m finished with this meeting first”, but the look on her face told me I needed to go right then.  The next few minutes took me completely by surprised and totally off guard.  The company was in process of reorganizing and I was on the list to be laid off.  At first, I thought what about the projects and all that needed to be finished.  But then…a peace fell over me and it was like the weight of the world was being lifted from my shoulders.  God had heard my prayers, was going to take care of me and give me that rest I felt I so very much needed.

God, being a good and wonderful God, heard my prayers. And what may seem as a “whoops” to many, God saw in His infinite wisdom, that I did need a break. 

Jeremiah 29:11-13; “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Well, that was almost two months ago.  While I am steadily looking for employment to help meet our financial needs, I am also reconnecting with friends and family that I didn’t have time to do with work and traveling for my job.  Though we had a huge cut in our monthly income, God is providing for our needs.  We have always considered what we have as being “on loan from God,” so we continue to thank him for our many blessings by tithing first and foremost.  God always comes through for us no matter what the world throws our way. All that we have is His.  We are humbled by His continued blessings and we are forever thankful for what He provides.

I know God has a plan for me and He shows me every day that He is with me by the blessings and comfort I get from reading his word.  I have a peace that I know must be from God as I turn over control of my life and future into His hands. 

Philippians 4:6 - 7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I have had a few job interviews, but no offer has come. I believe that God has a plan for me and I get up each morning asking Him to grant me strength and grace to wait, “be still,” and trust His will for me.  Until that job comes along, I trust God to work His will in my life and I enjoy the opportunity to rest and time to refuel by reading God’s word every day.

As Easter approaches in a few weeks, I pray that each of you will feel God’s presence in your life. Trust Him and know that He loves you enough to send His only son for your salvation. 

Jesus died for our sins so that we could be forgiven, and rose from the dead so that we may have life with God.  I am humbled to know that He cares so much for my salvation and enough for my life that He will provide the plan to help me be a disciple for His works.  I pray that you will let Him provide the plan for your life as well.