One of our daughters has just boarded a flight to go on holiday, and I was remembering some of our travels altogether. There is something so exciting about visiting different places, meeting new people, and experiencing a different culture..
A few years ago, we travelled to the USA with five our our six children. I wanted to organise the whole trip and kept myself busy planning where we would go once we landed and all the sights to visit. I wanted to make it a trip to remember with the kids who were still living at home and went over and over my plans to make it an amazing holiday and as perfect as possible.
I spent months doing this until one day; I heard Jesus quietly speak to my heart and ask me what I was doing. I replied, "I'm organising our trip and making sure everything is all planned as I want it to be "smooth sailing" while we are away".
"Hmm" was the reply I got back, and then I felt Jesus gently say, "but you haven't let me help with your trip, and I wanted to be your tour guide for this holiday". I actually felt his disappointment that I had excluded him in my planning without knowing it.
Over the next few weeks and months, I purposely chose to wait on Jesus as to where and when and where to go, and as a result, I was led to places to stay, people to meet, special entry prices, cheap flights, and even free accommodation with meals supplied.
Every place we visited seemed like Jesus had gone before us, setting up extra blessings and favour. Some destinations I was able to book, but other places every time I went to be organised, I felt an internal "just trust me with this one", so I wouldn't organise anything. Then as we would get to that location, Jesus would open doors, and we would end up in an amazing location with some wonderful people to take care of us all.
That trip to the US was one of our best holidays. It stretched my trust levels beforehand and even on the road, but when I look back, I can see Jesus' hand leading us, and because I allowed him to be our tour guide, all these cool things happened along the way.
I discovered anew that there is a big difference between asking God to bless what you have purposed already and making Him central to every step you take in your life. We can have him as a side note in our decisions or include him and make him an integral part of all we are and do.
His way always seems to be the best, and he is so gracious that he won't push in on our plans but will wait for us to look to him so that he can be in the centre of it all. (John 14:26-26)
Today whatever you are doing or planning, I encourage you to include and make Jesus central rather than just expecting him to bless YOUR plans.
He is a great tour guide and will lead you to the best places and people, no matter what you are doing or seeking to become. He knows what you enjoy and even the food and weather you will like.
Lean in and take some time daily to enquire of him and listen to his lead. Invite him to take the wheel. You may go a little off-road to some unexpected destinations, but you'll have the best time with him if you do.
Have fun!
"Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." (Psalm 139:16)
But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him." (1 Corinthians 2:9)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
"We make our plans, but he directs our steps." (Proverbs 16:9)
Prayer: Lord, I know you have the best life planned for me, so I ask you to help me follow you and to trust your promptings and quiet, still voice within my heart. Jesus, you take the wheel today. In Jesus name Amen