Trusting the Creator’s design process

New Year’s resolutions are nothing new. We’ve been making them (and breaking them) since ancient times.

Having imagined my own plans for the coming months, Psalm 105:19 jumped out at me during my quiet time this morning.

If you remember in Genesis 37, Joseph was the favored son of Jacob and was hated and tormented by his brothers. His visions that his family would one day bow down to him only made matters worse. I don’t know whether Joseph longed for revenge or yearned for greatness (or a little of both), but the Lord definitely had something important for him up His sleeve.

The fact is, He instills in all of us hopes and dreams that are rooted in His grand design for our lives. But a lot of the time we get frustrated when those aspirations don’t come about right away. Or when the road to them is strewn with obstacles and pitfalls. Or when it seems like the path we’re on is going in the complete opposite direction from where we want to be headed.

What we need to remember is that during these times God is building our character, making us better people to accomplish those goals and roles in the best way possible. And He’s preparing us to handle the ramifications of those fulfilled desires, because, let’s face it, even the best dream come true has its good days and bad days, its pros and cons.

Any creative person will tell you that life experiences have made them a better artist/writer/actor.

Helen Keller said, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

If our dreams are in line with God’s purpose for our lives then nothing can keep Him from making them come true – and everything that happens along the way is for a reason.

Dear Father,

You are so wise! I know the hopes you’ve instilled in my heart are tied to Your wonderful plan for my life. Help me to trust You in the journey and to praise You along the way. And to never let go of You even when I reach my goals.

Amen