What a Plan

Read: Psalm 33:13-22 Devin looked at the house plan his mom was studying. “I still think you could remove the mudroom and make my bedroom bigger,” he said. Mom smiled. “I think we’ll trust the designer’s plan. We’ll find something to do with that space.” That afternoon, Devin’s shoulders slumped as he walked into the house. “I can’t believe my best friend moved. School’s not the same without Trav.” Mom put down the flooring samples she was holding and gave Devin a hug. “I know it’s hard, Dev. Jesus knows it too, and He loves you and promises to be with you. We just have to trust that God has a plan and will use hard things in our lives for good.” Devin didn’t see how any of this could be God’s plan. At school the next day, Devin was trying to choose a spot to have lunch when he saw a table with just one kid at it. He walked to the table and looked at the girl who sat alone. He didn’t remember seeing her before. “Can I sit here?” The girl looked up and smiled. “Sure. No one else wants to sit by the new kid.” Her smile went away. “No one even talks to me. It’s like no one sees me.” Devin grabbed a chair. “I could use a friend too.” At home, Devin was excited to tell his mom about Ashley. “If Trav was there, we wouldn’t have sat by a girl,” he said. “But she needed a friend. Maybe that was God’s plan, like you said. Maybe Trav had to go away so that Ashley wouldn’t feel lonely.” Devin looked at the papers his mom was holding. She seemed to be making another tough decision between multiple options for the new house, but what were they? Mom held up the papers. “Which crate do we want?” “Crate?” Devin asked. Mom nodded. “The mudroom in the floor plan got me thinking…what if we finally got that dog you’ve been wanting?” “For real?” Devin jumped up and down. “For real.” Mom put her arms around him. “And I’m proud of you for being a friend to Ashley. Once this plan is complete, maybe she can come meet your new pet.” Devin grinned. Maybe he could trust both floor plans and God’s plans. –Emily Acker How about you? Have you ever had something happen in your life that made you wonder if God really cares about you? We all go through difficult things in life, but God can use them to work out His good plan in ways we couldn’t imagine. When life is hard, remember that Jesus understands what you’re going through and promises to be with you. Then trust Him to work out the plan He has for your life. Today’s key verse: Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 (NIV) Today’s key thought: You can always trust God’s plan