His Path...Not mine

Throughout our lives we all make plans. Most of the time those plans are concerning our futures and where we see ourselves in the coming years.

But what happens when those plans get sidetracked and veer off course, or even get turned complete upside down by God?

This is a concept that can be hard to understand (and accept) so searching the bible to find more clarity is the first step I (Bethany) took. In that search I am reminded of many who have lived before me and had their plans disrupted by God, but none more than one man who knows full well what it feels like to have his best-laid plans completely re-written— Simon Peter!

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  "Come, follow me," Jesus said," and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. ~Matt 4:18-20

Peter was just a simple fisherman, working to make a living. I don't think there was ever a time while he cast his net- day after day- where he thought he would be a follower of Jesus, one of his closest and most cherished friends, or become the "rock" of the church. (Matt 16:18)

But God knew...God always knows.

God's knows the plans He has for us even if we can't see them, or don't want to see them.

I can only speculate what Peter's plans looked liked before the arrival of Jesus. But here are the plans of a majority of the population from Biblical times...

Respectable career —check.

Wife — check.

Sons — Not applicable for Peter.

Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children are a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies at the gate. (Psalm 127:3-5)

Family structure was important, even crucial, to Biblical living. Having a family, sons especially, was one of the most important things you could do to, so for Peter to abandon that path to follow Jesus was a HUGE sacrifice for him to make. He would have no one to teach his ways and to leave a legacy with.

Or so he thought...

I am sure that at first Peter might have been a little overwhelmed since he was not following his plans for life...

But oh the life he had laid out before him.

Foundation of the church.

Spreading the gospel for Jesus.

Dying for the church...

He never could have dreamt the life he would lead. Only God knew His plans for him.

A life filled with so much more meaning and significance than a near fisherman could have possibly imagined.

Join me back here on Friday to talk more about when God's plans aren't exactly cohesive with yours.

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