For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

I pray Robert Burns will forgive me for butchering his famous line when I say: "The best laid plans of mice, men, and teachers often go astray."

That's what one teacher told me in a letter I recently received.

She was on a field trip in a western state where gambling is legal. She stopped with her group for lunch at a restaurant - a restaurant which had slot machines. One of the students asked about the one-armed bandit and the teacher launched into a lecture on the evils of gambling. To emphasize the futility of trying to get something for nothing, she decided to give them an example: she marched up to the machine, put in a quarter, pulled the handle and. . .

I don't have to tell you she hit the jackpot.

She assured me she won't try that lesson again in the future. Still, her intentions were right although the result was not. You may often feel the same way. You plan and try to do something right and that something just falls apart. It can get downright discouraging.

Now, if you've found your plans falling apart, (and all of us have), I pray you will continue to give thanks that you have a God whose plans are faithful. Shortly after humankind's fall into sin He put into place a plan to save sinful humanity. In the Person of His Son, our Savior, that plan has been accomplished.

Now, in your redeemed life God's great and gracious plan of guidance and salvation continues on. The Lord's ongoing presence, His faithfulness, His guidance and final victory can be counted on. Because of His Son's sacrifice the Father has made a commitment to help you, one of His saved children, through each day.

His is a plan which won't fall apart. Enjoy. God has a plan and your life is part of it. Rejoice. . .His plan continues on. . . today and into eternity.
From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, I give thanks that Your plan for salvation is complete. Now, I pray that You will continue to act and guide me each day of my life. Help me see Your plan and walk on Your path. This I pray with confidence in the Name of my crucified and risen Savior. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 39-41    John 12:27-50

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