Staying the course can be difficult. When we set out with new plans they are exciting and filled with so much hope for the possibilities of the future. We must get excited for continuing on the path God has set us on. Not just for the newness of the path, but for seeing our plans through. This means we will face difficulty, as sticking to things when they get hard is not the way of the world. The difficulty is an important part of the journey. If God gave us plans that came to fruition immediately we may not be ready for what those plans brought. However, when we stay the course through the tough parts we can be developed and matured for what is to come (see James 1:2-4). This is when the blessings come. Our joy and peace can be found in keeping steady in the plans He has for us.
Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.
Psalm 119:1 NIV
The only way to follow His plans and the directions He has for our life is to find Him in all we do. We must stay in constant search of Him in everything. It is only then that we remain sensitive to the nudges He has for our life. The Holy Spirit speaks to us in whispers because He is close to us. Staying in constant awareness of the whispers enables us to hear how to move. We will only stay sensitive to His whispers in our life when we seek Him. Seeking Him with every part of who we are is how we can ensure that our lives are going in the right direction. This is when we no longer have to look to the world for validation of who we are or where we are going. We can find our identity in Him and trust that we are blessed in the path we take.
Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart
Psalm 119:2 NIV
Considerations for your planner:
- What do you find most difficult when sticking to plans? Write this down and see if it correlates with trusting God for what you’ve planned.
- How do you seek God in your life? Write down all the areas you seek Him in. You might find that the areas that lack peace are the areas you are not seeking Him.
A Story of Seeking God:
Growing older is a beautiful thing. I look in the mirror and I see gray hairs (time for another trip to the hair color aisle). I look in the mirror and I see wrinkles, bags under my eyes, and skin that is not as tight as it used to be. There is no doubt about it, I am getting older. I am not the young lady I was 5, 10, 20 years ago. However, I am okay with getting older; it’s a part of life. I look at my life and I see a woman who has grown up; not only physically, but spiritually as well. I am not the same lady spiritually that I was 5, 10, 20 years ago. I am definitely okay with that, because spiritual growth shows the process of me wanting to be more like Jesus. I strive to be more and more like Him with each passing day. I want to grow wiser and deeper in His Word. I want my life to be a reflection of who Christ is in me.
Spiritual growth doesn’t happen overnight; it is a lifelong journey. We grow spiritually when we seek Him daily, when we study and apply His Word daily, and walk in the Spirit daily. Spiritual growth is identified by the fruit of the Spirit in our life. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23. Spiritual growth is evident when you see (and others see in you) that you have become more loving, more joyful, more peaceful, more patient, are kinder, see the goodness in others and in yourself, are faithful, are gentle and speak gentle, and show more self-control. Sounds like the perfect person doesn’t it?
I know our Lord Jesus Christ is perfect and I want to be just like Him! There are days when my life reflects more of my spiritual growth than others. I am far from perfect. However, I will continue to seek and spend time with Him daily, to study His Word, to apply His Word to my life daily; and most importantly love and treat others with the same love my Heavenly Father shows me. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” – 2 Peter 3:18. Growing older is a beautiful thing! Thank you Jesus!!
- Deanne Allred
Strengthen the Christian Planner Family by sharing your experiences. We'd love to hear a story about God's work in your life. Use the form linked below to submit your story.
