there is no plan B...

Being a planning enthusiast, otherwise known as a control freak, I am all about having multiple plans.  You know, just in case.  I have a contingency plan for everything.  I always have a plan A and a plan B.  Typically I will also have a plan C and every so often I'll have plan D.

I call this, being prepared!    

God.  He calls this, Oh ye of little faith.

You see God only has one plan.  There is no plan B, C, or D because there isn't even a plan A.  With God all there is only His Plan.

As humans we look at our lives and our circumstances and see a tiny speck of the big picture.  To God our lives are a this huge beautiful, intricate mural that is painted across the sky.  His hands perfectly creating every aspect of the mural.  His hands gently and precisely creating every brush stroke to look exactly as He wants it.

Some parts of the picture are full of colors and long brush stokes.  Some parts are less bright and made with small strokes.  Some parts have many items and some parts are barren.

But every part of the painting was painted on purpose.  His plan is on purpose.  Every brush stroke that makes up the mural is perfectly placed.  

And when God finished painting the mural of our lives, He stepped back, not surprised by any section of the painting and called it very good.

In my life I have felt the need to have lots of plans.  To make sure that if something didn't work out that I would be ok.  I've always been good at self protection.  All the while as I toiled away making my plans, God was just waiting for me to live out His plan.

My plan A, B, C and D are completely pointless and not necessary.  Why?  Because God has one plan, His plan and that plan, well it is perfect!  God doesn't have a plan B because His plan never fails.

Nothing in our lives surprise God.  Nothing!  I'm serious.  Our sin does not surprise God.  Our failed relationships do not surprise God.  Our sadness and broken promises do not surprise God.  Our lack of faith does not surprise God.  The condition of our hearts, thoughts, actions do not surprise God.

Was I surprised that my first 3 months in France have been really difficult?  Yes.  Was God?  No!

Am I surprised that learning French has been the hardest thing I've done?  Yes.  Is God?  Nope!

Have I been surprised by the condition of my heart?  Yes.  Is God?  Not at all!

Is God shocked and surprised by my pride, fear, rebellion, and stubbornness?  Thankfully, He is not.  Me?  A big fat, Yes!

All the plans I have for my life are futile.  As long as I stay close to the plan maker and follow are His plan leads then I am without a doubt going to find my way.  Will the plan include ups and downs, twists and turns, victories and failures, joy and sorrow, laughter and mourning, nearness and loneliness?

Absolutely.  

All of the above.

Is the plan still perfect?

Completely, perfect!

Plan B doesn't exist for God, so it doesn't need to exist for you!