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When I was fourteen, I liked a boy named David. I really wanted him to like me back, so I prayed very hard that he would fall in ‘like’ with me. I told God his full name, address and all the details of how this desired relationship should go. I didn’t want God (yeah, the almighty, all-knowing God who created me) to make a mistake and let the wrong David like me. I thought I could micro-manage God.
Fast-forward and it was a job I desired, in a specific field, in a specific location… I seem to have developed a pattern of asking for exactly what I wanted. It took me years to figure out that the one who created me could create the perfect plan for me.
My good friend and co-RCIA teacher, Kelly Guest, puts it this way:
At the Wedding at Cana, Mary only presents the problem to Jesus, her son. “They have no wine,” she states. (John 2:1-12) She doesn’t tell Jesus what He should do, or how He should do it. She trusts that He will do what is necessary, in the way that it is necessary. Although Christ tells His mother that it is, “not my time,” He still works a miracle to fix the embarrassing situation for the bride and groom, and to bring about the best result.
Kelly reminds me that we only need to present our concern to the Lord and trust Him to work out the best plan for us. When we try to tell God how things ‘should’ be instead of believing He will work out things for our best, we demonstrate a lack of trust in the Lord.
In Jeremiah 29:11 we are further told that the Lord has plans for us that are for our, “good and not for our destruction.”
Scripture often reminds us to yield our will completely to the Lord”s plans for us.
“But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” Psalm 31:14
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” John 14:1
Mary, the Mother of God, shows conviction in following God’s plan from the Annunciation, to the Wedding at Cana, at the foot of the cross and again at Jesus’ Ascension into heaven. Following Mary’s example will draw us into a deeper, more trusting relationship with Christ.
Love this! That is exactly right Mary Lou. I always want to tell God exactly how he should fix things. But that’s not the best way to do it. You should just tell him your problems and let him fix it his way. It’s what he’ll do anyway, right? It’s so hard though, isn’t it?
Yes, Marc, SO hard! I always think I have a better plan, but God is in control. God bless.