When God’s Plans Are Nothing Like Our Plans

“Lord you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” (Psalm 16:5-6)

My life sure looks a lot different than I thought it would at 29 years old. I did not plan to live in my hometown so my parents could help care for me and my family. We had planned to serve overseas on the mission field again, long term.

I never pictured myself being unable to sit without pain or struggling to accomplish daily tasks. I was such an active person and had planned to train for a half marathon soon. And I definitely never saw myself allowing a dog in the house.

Chronic pain does tend to “loosen” one up a bit!

But God had different plans for my life. Just as God defined the boundary lines of the Israelites in the Promised Land (Joshua 15-21), God has ordained where we would live and for how long and what our life would be like all for one reason. Not that we might have a comfortable life lived to the fullest, but that we might bring glory to God.

God is our portion and He is enough, no matter what happens in this life. He has given us the best gift He could give us: the cup of salvation. The Israelites’ inheritance in the Promised Land was secure, and God has made our future secure as well through the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Our dreams and desires, fulfilled or not, cannot compare with the beautiful inheritance given to those who trust Jesus as their Savior. And while life with chronic pain doesn’t feel like a “pleasant” place, I know God has me exactly where I am supposed to be.

Prayer: God, help me to be content in You alone and trust Your plans for my life no matter the cost. Amen.

About the Author:
[Name has been removed by request of author]  is a young wife and mother of a busy toddler. After ministering to those suffering from HIV/AIDS in Africa she is learning personally that pain has a purpose. She suffers from pudendal neuralgia, a rare type of pelvic nerve pain and widespread muscle pain.