Stick To The Plan (2)

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...My God, why have you forsaken me?
Matthew 27:46

Jesus knew that Judas would betray Him, yet He didn't stop him. He could have summoned twelve legions of angels to help Him, yet He didn't call on them. Under the weight of our sins He cried from the cross, 'My God, why have you forsaken me?' That's because He understood it was all part of God's plan for Him. His words, 'God, where are you?' teach us that:

(a) You can be in God's plan, yet at times feel overwhelmed and alone.
(b) When God doesn't answer, you must stand on the Word He has given you.
(c) the pain of this season will eventually give way to the joy God has awaiting you on the other side of it.

So stick to the plan; that's what disciples do. The word 'disciple' means to be disciplined. It means sticking to the plan when you're under attack. It teaches you how to function when you don't feel like it. The enemy will come against the plan of God in your life, because that plan is like a hedge of protection around you. As long as you stay in God's plan, nothing that the enemy does can destroy you. So, when you feel like you've reached the end of your rope tether and you can't go another step, do what Jesus did; - pray, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit' (Luke 23:46 NIV). Give it to God! Look up and say, 'Lord, I'm trusting You to do what I cannot do. Bring me through this. Here it is; I'm turning it over to You. My life, my future, and my all are in Your hands!'

Copied from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.

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Comments

Carla said…
Wow, I really need those words right now. Thank you for sharing.
Shosannah said…
These are such powerful words!
Blessings and peace Mike :0)
Suzy
Unknown said…
I could say that once upon a time with conviction, not so any more :(
Linda said…
Thanks for the way you share the words of Jesus our Lord. It's always good to be reminded of His Plan - which He had in place before He ever created man - Knowing how sinful we would be - He has a plan to reconcile us with the Father in Heaven, through Jesus Christ. May we all stand firm and be found faithful till He calls us home.
Robyn said…
Wonderful words of wisdom. Thank you!
PERBS said…
Before the first part downloaded, I saw the a b c part and thought of course God always answer . . . yes, no and not now- maybe later. Some questions have to be rhetorical.
"Lord, I'm trusting You to do what I cannot do. Bring me through this. Here it is; I'm turning it over to You. My life, my future, and my all are in Your hands!'" Sometimes when I get frustrated and angry at my ability to succeed at a task I forget this because I think I can do it alone...Thanks for the reminder! God Bless! Cathy
Thanks for all your comments. Jill, I empathise with your sentiment and there is a danger in a short post like this to make things sound easy. I think Jesus is a good role model though. His 'joy on the other side' was only arrived at through a cruel death and feeling abondoned by his Father. I have to believe in the same destiny or I have no hope at all. Blessings :)
Angie said…
Powerful words here. Never thought of that definition of disciple. Interesting.
Anonymous said…
Stick to the plan and pray the St.Birgitta prayer - God, show me the way and make me wiling to walk it.
Gudl said…
Good words! Great reminders.
Steve said…
Excellent! Most encouraging thought!
Steve said…
Excellent! Most encouraging thought!
Steve said…
Excellent! Most encouraging thought!
Unknown said…
Hi there! I'm a first time visitor to your blog! Looking forward to stopping by again!