That was funny! I think you might be better off sending that list to Santa then to God.

I do not think it is wrong to plan out ones life by being responsible, but to blame God when life does not work out as exactly planned is over the top. I have learned a few things over the past few months while dealing with a medical issue. Sometimes God opens a door that is open right in front of me. Often God opens a door in which He placed a maze of challenges in front of it. There might be a few options to choose from, but God trusts me to make wise decisions. It is all part of becoming more like Jesus. At one time or another God will take the training wheels off. He will always be there, holding us, taking us through the shadow of death, but He seldom takes us over the problem, avoiding it all together.

This was an encouragement to me to read. God used this to affirm His leading me to trust Him. We have a house on the market that will in all likelihood not sell until the spring at least. So you know how that goes, two sets of bills. I was also layed off from my job in the middle of our adoption process, which God confirmed He wanted us to continue. God has been so good at supplying our needs. It’s not how we worked it out or thought things would go. It’s better. He is teaching us to TRUST and depend on Him! God is good even when our plans don’t work out, in fact God is especially good in those times. I am praying for you guys!

@ Heather. This is a HUGE encouragement to read. Thanks for putting yourself out there and being a source of encouragement.

@ Chris. Love the imagery of a “maze of challenges” in front of us. Thanks.

Milo: I have always been a planner and so knowing what is going on tomorrow or next week can be comforting. I thought about today’s letter to God and yesterday’s “pennies” blog. Many times when I give my 12 pennies to God, I have the expectation that he will give me a quarter back as a reward for my faithfulness. My quarter could come in the form of selling the house, paying the bills, healing the illness, doing things on my timeframe. Sometimes God seems to answer those needs in what seems to be a timely manner. As I get older though, I am finding that sometimes your child doesn’t get healed, the job doesn’t pull through and the check is not in the mail. That’s when I can start to doubt my faith, God’s goodness and wonder what I’ve done wrong, etc. The enemy starts to whisper in my ear “is he really all powerfull, all knowing, loving,”. Then at least in my world things can turn to self-pity and self-loathing you know, “he’s there for everyone but me,” if only I had more faith, were more spiritual, etc.”
Then I remember that I see so little of the picture, which reminds me of when John Eldridge talks about passage in Daniel where he is fasting and praying for three weeks with no results. That’s when most of us start to think God is holding out on us or we’ve blown it. When the angel shows up to Daniel, he says he was sent 3 weeks ago when Daniel started praying but he was locked in combat with demonic forces.

I need that constant reminder that this world is just a small portion of the picture, God is doing things behind the scenes that I know nothing about. In this life I will have trials and tribulations, but I cling to the fact that this world is not the whole story. The heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11 did not receive the promise in this life but God has something far better for them in the next.

@ Renee. Thanks for the reminder to stay focused on things that are eternal. It’s so easy to get bogged down by the temporal stuff. Love your input!

For a long time now I have been praying that God would provide for me a better job. I’m grateful to have a job in this crisis because to be honest that’s what we are supposed to say. I’ve asked God to change my circumstances-you know some rich relative leave you some fortune untold….not going to happen. I know when we took this step of faith two years ago we didn’t anticiapte the mud and guck you often find along the way. I mean we are in ministry it’s supposed to be better right. Sorry that was me trying to be funny. Never the less my cicumstances didn’t change but along the way God began to reveal to me what His purpose was and it wasn’t about me at all! It had everything to do with the people I worked with. None. Not even one. Professes to have any kind if relationship with Christ. So over the past two years He has been making me his hands and reaching out to these girls. Would I prefer it to have been sooner rather than later sure but I have gathered some great friends out if the mix too. I appreciated your article my comment probably doesn’t convey entirely what I am trying to say but I get the whole wish list.

@ Kathy. Good thought. It sure is easy to get wrapped up in our own world, with our own wants, and forget that God wants to position us to effect change in others…even if it means inconveniencing us. Thanks for commenting!

Milo,
There was a time when I wrestled with doubt in regards to where God wanted me. It seemed like there were no answers and there was never going to be. I struggled for at least a year like this. However, my struggling came to an end when you and Bethany came over to my Aunt Judy’s house for dinner. I had never met you before then but that encounter has changed the course of my life. I’m not trying to be overly dramatic. That’s simply how it is. I would have never considered that God wanted me in ministry had you not opened my eyes to the possibility. I trust many lives are being blessed from our encounter many years ago in my Aunt’s living room. I’ve never told you this before but the timing seems appropriate. Anytime I share my testimony about how God called me into ministry, I mention you. If I took you out of the equation, it wouldn’t be much of a testimony.
I believe you to be an awesome man of God, Milo. I also believe that God will use you in mighty ways wherever you and your family are, doubts or no doubts.

@ Darrell. Thanks for the encouraging words! You never know where a conversation may lead or the impact it may have. It’s been a joy to watch your life and know I’ve been a part of the journey. Thanks!