Today I encouraged everyone in our house to list all the places they would like to visit over the next few months.
The last time we did this, we were planning a trip overseas, and the list of what and where we all wanted to go had us travelling to famous and far away places. It ended up being this crazy long list we worked with to achieve our family's dreams as we visited places like Nasa, Niagara Falls, the autumn colours in Washington State, Capitol Hill in Washington DC, New York City, the Statue of Liberty, Amish country, Disney World in Florida, and horse riding on a ranch in Texas.
Regardless of the news reports and bad news press, the world is a fascinating place just waiting to be explored. You also don't always have to get on a plane or boat to see some amazing things – there will be places, people and experiences right on your doorstep just waiting to be discovered if you'll get out there, act as a tourist for the day and enjoy everything in front of you.
With all the limitations, lockdowns and fear many people have been dealing with over the past few years, we all could benefit from making some new lists of what and where we want to go, explore and achieve. To get out of our routine, to push ourselves a little and discover something new.
God encourages us to "Write the vision and make it plain – put it up so everyone can see and run with it, and then declare my Word over that vision. (Habakkuk 2:2)
Today I encourage you to make some lists and plans. If you're feeling bored or stuck in a rut, this is a fantastic way of stretching your imagination and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone so that your life increases with each passing year rather than decreases and becomes limited.
The key to making plans is NOT to look primarily to man, your job, other people or your bank account. If we had done that as a family, we would never have travelled anywhere. Jesus knows about everything and encourages us to "look to Him, to follow His leading, and make plans with Him so we can begin to live out the amazing life he died to give us. (John 10:10)
As we've made our lists and sought Jesus in regard to our plans, we've received both free and bargain price accommodation, discounts on tickets, airfares, meals cooked for us, new friends, and amazing family holidays and experiences. I remember these trips most because we chose to make plans with Jesus, and as a result, He kept surprising us with blessings along the way.
Listen up to Jesus and the desires in your heart, and then make plans with Him as you prepare for what's next because all of heaven will work on your behalf to help make it happen.
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." (Proverbs 16:3 NIV)
Prayer: Lord, thank you that all things are possible with you and that anything can happen when you move in my circumstances. Would you please help me to make some new plans today. In Jesus name Amen