Are We Listening for God’s Plan?

     This semester I was thinking about participating in a different Bible study that the usual Beth Moore study that I do.  While I think Beth Moore does a fabulous job, I thought I’d take a break and try out another author.  However, God had other plans.  While I was in the decision making process, I went into our local Lifeway store to see if they would help promote a women’s ministry event at our church.  The assistant manager agreed to put some promotional material at the checkout area but then in the next breath asked, “Have you seen the newly revised Beth Moore Bible study, “Breaking Free?”  I thought that was odd.  I was there for a totally different reason.  She had no idea that I had ever been involved in a Beth Moore study but that is what she shared with me.  I didn’t think about it long, and decided that this probably meant I was supposed to do this particular Beth Moore study in the spring.

     As I was watching the introductory video to “Breaking Free” this week, God confirmed why he had me in the study.  While I don’t believe I have too many strongholds to break free from, there is one that can paralyze me at times; that crept up on me over the past few years.  In the video Moore shared her stronghold that hit her at age 49 and it was the same one I want to break free from!  I was blown away.  Here is this confident, beautiful, gifted author and speaker and she and I have this stronghold in common.  To a lesser extent, as a speaker and writer on a local level, it was comforting to know that this can happen to anyone, even to those who have the impressive resume and who share their faith and teach about God in a public arena.

     In Proverbs 16:9, God’s word says:  “The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps.”  Our choices are not always the ones God has in mind for us and when we are open to his will, he will let us know where we are to go and what we are to do.  You see, although I did not think I wanted to do the Beth Moore study, I was praying the entire time for the Lord’s clear direction on which study to participate in and he provided that answer through another person.  I think the key to making right decisions in life is to humble ourselves and give them all over to God.  When you do that, you can count on Him to direct your path.