Accepting His plan
All around us is the beauty of Spring.
God’s Creation bursts forth in a spectacular display of glorious splendor.
God had a plan as He created our home here on Earth. Our planet is lovely, but it is also very well organized in regard to seasons, climate, land, fresh water, oceans, and inhabitants. It all works together in a cooperative and sustainable sort of way (as long as humans are responsible and are good stewards of the planet–but that is a discussion for another day).
God’s Plan…
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 a hope and a future. “
Jeremiah 29:11
If we are believers in God and the saving grace of our Lord Jesus, this scripture brings us comfort and hope that God’s plan for us will bring joy, love, and security during our time on Earth.
But, perhaps not our plan…
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9
Often we find this difference in God’s plan and our plan to be a painful journey–a tragic accident, a broken marriage, a terminal illness of a loved one.
But even in the midst of our trials, Spring will come and flowers will bloom.
But death enters into nature’s beauty as well. The lovely rhododendron shown above (picture taken in a previous year) is now dying. Death is a part of God’s Creation. This plant will eventually decay and nourish the soil for other plants to grow.
Death brings sadness for us, but we know death is not the final end for believers. And, even as we deal with the sadness and grief of illness and mortality, we have God’s promise that He is always near…
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
Our Lord Jesus promises that He and the Father will be with us in every circumstance…
Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them. Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”
John 21, 23 (emphasis mine)
Jesus will grant us peace and comfort in our anxiety, sorrow, and despair…
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27
What more is needed?
Where do you find your peace?
Author’s note: Thank you for your visit to my blog. If you’ve stopped by very often, you know that I usually share a message once a week. For the next few weeks, my blogs are likely to be fewer and more sporadic. I am caring for a loved one, sharing a gift of love in our final weeks together. I am grateful for your prayers.
So thankful our Father is holding you both in the palm of His hand. Lean on Him during this time. He will carry you. Prayers and love are with you.
Thank you, my dear friend. I feel your prayers and am so grateful. Wishing you continued blessings, safety, and good health.
My dear and special friend, it has never been (and will never be) the frequency of your posts but the heartfelt inspiration and encouragement they bring. I’ve walked the path you and “Farmer Bob” are on right now, and my heart cries out to God daily for His mercy, love, and grace to fill your days. We can’t know what tomorrow brings Ms. Katherine, but we know that God does; and He’s already planned how He will carry us through each day. It will seem a lifetime here as we wait to be reunited with our loved ones who precede us into glory, but in eternity, it will be but a blink of the eye until that day. God’s blesssings; and know you two are in our prayers.
I know I cannot carry on without the prayers of loving friends. Thank you. Your words always inspire me. God has truly granted you the gift of loving through your written messages. Praying for continued blessing for you, your family, and everyone (including animals) at the Cross-Dubya.
You and your family are in our prayers.
Stephen/Libby
Thank you. I hope you both are healthy and safe. Take care of each other.
Your photos are gorgeous. I enjoy your memes on SM so much. And you call on a few of my favorite Bible verses in this post. I share your sorrow! Please know I am praying for you.
Thank you for your encouragement and prayers, my friend. God sends us special people to lift our spirits just when we are in our greatest need. I’m so grateful. Wishing you safety and blessings.
We enjoy your blogs but don’t always have time to read all of them. We are so sorry about your husband’s illness. He will be in our prayers. When our Rotary Club is meeting, Julia Tuggle often mentions seeing you. Hope you have a good week.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Miss those long ago days at Draper–seems another lifetime! Wishing you both safety, good health, and many blessings.