Wow. Life. It never ceases to amaze me. We think we’re headed one direction, and suddenly we’re headed 180 degrees in the other direction. Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
So many times I’ve had plans that were pretty good plans, or at least I thought so at the time. And God said no. That always bugged me. Why would a God who loved me and wanted the best for me shoot down my dreams? But lately I’ve realized the “No” answer never stopped there. I just usually stopped listening when God said, “I have a better idea.”
Seeing His work in my life is incredible. So many times I would have ended up miserable if things had gone the way I wanted them to.

Things I Know:
1. God always knows better than me. Even if I can’t see it at the time, His plans are far better than anything I could ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
2. God will do things the way He wants to, in the time He wants to. That means sometimes I have to wait for His plans. However, they’re going to be infinitely worth the time I spent waiting. Always. If I’m waiting on Him, He’s going to give me the strength and patience not to give up (Isaiah 40:31).
3. If I follow Him, he’s going to lead me to the people I need to know, the things I need to learn, the trials I need to face. He’s not going to leave me to flounder in the dark, but I have to follow Him and seek His kingdom before everything else (Matthew 6:33).
4. Since God’s in charge of my future, I don’t need to worry about it. This involves letting go of my own will and submitting to His. After all, if I trust Him to save me from eternity in hell, can’t I trust Him to take care of earthly problems and plans? If I humble myself to Him, He will take charge and I won’t have to worry (1 Peter 5:6-7).

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” -Jeremiah 29:11

By Melissa Hite
Melissa (age 15) attends Bear Valley church of Christ with her parents, Michael and Lynn, and her little brother, Matthew. Her goals include continually growing closer to God and eventually becoming a writer and a mom. On her blog, Christ Crossed My Heart, you can find other poignant, well-written posts.