Have you ever felt like you missed the boat? Dropped the ball? Didn’t do enough? My son is in the process of applying for colleges and applying for college scholarships. He is very self-motivated and puts a lot of pressure on himself to do his best in all things. While it is an admirable quality, he puts an unnecessary amount of pressure on himself.
Last night we were talking through his options. He said “I’m worried I didn’t do everything I could.” My response shocked him a little. “Son, you can’t mess up enough to keep God from getting you where He wants you to be. He has a plan for you and He’ll get you there, so rest in that knowledge!” I could see the words hit their mark because his whole countenance changed. Peace settled on him like a warm blanket on a cold night. Relief!
Do you need to hear that same message today? You can’t mess up enough that God can’t get you where He wants you to be. He is able [Hebrews 5:2].
We beat ourselves up too often in life, taking responsibility for making everything work out the way it’s supposed to work out. We’re not in charge, even if when we try to be.
One of my favorite lines from the movie, Rudy, comes from the priest Rudy is talking to in the church. He said “Rudy, there are two things I know to be true. One, there is a God, and two, I’m not Him.” We aren’t God, but we can trust the One who is [Revelation 4:8].
God has plans for each one of us [Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 2:10]. If we trust Him, He will guide our steps and direct our paths [Proverbs 3:5-6]. Even though the enemy exists in the world and comes to kill, steal and destroy us, the Lord can and will protect us from those plans [John 10:10]. He is our trump card for whatever the enemy throws at us. Whatever you’re facing, He’s got it! Any door the Lord opens, no man can shut and whatever door He shuts no man can close [Isaiah 22:22, Revelation 3:8].
My son will figure out where he’s going to college. God will direct Him; and He’ll direct you too. No matter what you’re facing today, God is with you. He doesn’t clock out and wish you well. Rest in 1 Thessalonians 5:24, “The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it.” Will you trust Him?