I like God because he has a plan with me

Danny Fourie

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

I always smile ruefully when I see a mother and her infant(s) in an encounter in the mall or department store and the bitter unhappiness of these little ones. You can just see it's all about a cool drink or chocolate or ice cream or chippies or all of them! But how nerve-wracking this endless whining may be, I always admire the mother who perseveres with her shopping though she was deaf. In the end the wailing children who feel they are wronged do get a treat or juice, but that's all.

What motivates this mother? I came to the conclusion that there is something more important for her than to stop the wailing. It is not difficult to understand what motivates her: the health of her child. Imagine the mother had to give in to each and every request? Soon they will have to frequently visit the dentist and before long she will have an obese child.

For us it is hard to believe or accept that in our relationship with the Lord we too often act like the toddler in the store. We argue that if we could have had our say in many things, we would have been much better off now. If the Lord only gave me that post for which I have prayed so much, my situation would have been significantly better. Then I would have been living at the sea or in the bushveld. Then the brunette and I with whom I was so in love, would have been the parents of my children.

When you look back in time, you can name different situations where you thought you knew what was best for you then. But when you analyse it again, you understand why God at that time did not give you what you wanted. There was a purpose. He had his own plan with you – he wanted to implement his plan for the good of you. And fortunately God keeps his promise.

Prayer: Lord, help me believe that you have a plan for my life. And even though I sometimes do not agree with that plan, I know that my best interest is your concern. Amen