Healing Brokenness Plan

Healing Brokenness Plan

Ephesians 1: In all his wisdom and insight ⁹ God did what he had purposed, and made known to us the secret plan he had already decided to complete by means of Christ. ¹⁰ This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head.

 

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Plans are wonderful to me! I love getting a plan from people who have been where I am trying to go. I can get the steps, follow them and celebrate when I make it to the destination.

 

• Plans make it easier for me to keep going when things seem to be going wrong.
• I feel more confident when I am following a plan.
• Some of the steps of many plans did not make sense until the entire plan unfolded.

 

Paul talks about GOD’s “secret plan.” He explains that one part of the plan as been revealed to humanity, namely JESUS died for the sins of the world. What looked like a FATHER punishing HIS SON for being perfect turned out to be only part of the story. The true plan was to “bring all creation together”  with CHRIST as head.

 

My Observations

• GOD saw my brokenness and decided to do something about it.
• JESUS volunteered HIS life to heal me forever.
• All of creation waits on the rest of GOD’s plan which includes placing everything under JESUS.

 

This plan is amazing! I mean, it shows unimaginable love for a creation who turns its back to the creator at a moment’s notice. GOD could not depend on our faith, so HE devised a plan to redeem broken, lost humans through JESUS. JESUS volunteered to lose everything and in the process, gained everything.

 

One part of the plan is still in motion. One day JESUS will return and everything that is broken will be healed under HIM. All questions about “Why did GOD do this in the first place?” will be answered. Until then, I gladly accept the incredible love HE has shown for me.

 

Challenge

• Does the plan the writer speaks of, make you nervous or excited?
• What part of your actions do you see in this plan?
• If you are trying too hard to please GOD, will you accept that HIS plan includes your life and will not fail, because HE has already given everything to JESUS whom you believe in?

My plan can only work one way

Judges 1:1 After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Canaanites?”

² The Lord answered, “Judah shall go up; I have given the land into their hands.”

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“Swagger” was another term for arrogance in the business. As I sat back and observed the partners of the company, I noticed they were very tough and deliberate.  In an effort to model their behavior, I had to become tough, but something else emerged. I learned how to “self-promote” in a smooth and cunning way.

I began to believe in myself so I set off in the direction “I” dreamt of. After a while it seemed like the partners who I patterned my style after, turned against me. My plans fell apart. I wonder who I could have consulted.

• When I develop plans without GOD they fail.
• When I think I make my plans successful under my own strength I fail.
• When I doubt I need GOD and try things on my own I fail.

GOD wants me to consult HIM and ask HIM which way HE wants me to go. HE wants me to allow HIM to say “No” or “Wait” or “Yes” when I ask HIM for something. If my heart is aching over the answer then I am not giving GOD the room to do as HE pleases with my life.

• GOD wants me to believe HE has the best plan for me no matter how strange it may look.
• GOD wants me to share my belief publicly so HE can get the glory and draw people to HIM.
• GOD wants me to trust in HIS plan and to quit sulking when things look bleak.

After asking and listening, I should act in total belief of GOD’s blessing. When GOD says “go” I need to be ready to do as HE says. I must admit, HIS methods seemed quite strange to me and HE had me do some things in a very strange fashion, but when I look back, I can definitely see how HIS kingdom will grow and how HE has grown me!

• Is your plan falling apart?
• Are you feeling exhausted?
• Can you consult GOD to see if HE is in your plan?
• Won’t you ask HIM for clarity today and accept HIS answer

Consult GOD first

Joshua 9: ¹⁴ The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. ¹⁵ Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.

¹⁶ Three days after they made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites heard that they were neighbors, living nearthem. ¹⁷ So the Israelites set out and on the third day came to their cities: Gibeon, Kephirah, Beeroth and Kiriath Jearim. ¹⁸ But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the assembly had sworn an oath to them by the Lord, the God of Israel.

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“Nine weeks will be a short assignment that would enable me to pick up a ton of cash and I can still perform the functions of my business” I greedily said to myself. I thought about what I would do with the cash and then I began planning.

Once I actually started working I realized I was in the worst assignment of my career. The atmosphere reeked of blame and deception. As I sat on the edge of my bed at 3:00 AM I realized I made a huge mistake.

• When something looks too good to be true for me, it usually is.
• When I look at things from a “monetary gain” perspective I usually fail.
• When I think about a plan from a “personal gain” angle I usually fall flat.

Many times I have run off with a plan and have not consulted GOD. These plans sometimes make it pretty far but then come crashing down to the ground with painful consequences. When I wake up in pain I blame GOD asking HIM “Why did YOU let me fail?”

• GOD wants me to consult HIM first before I make my plans.
• GOD wants me to ask HIS permission and allow HIM to say NO.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS wisdom, HIS power and HIS strength, for no plan can prosper without HIM.

The caveat to consulting GOD is I have to perform above the level otherwise HE will turn HIS back on the plan. I must respect everyone associated with the plan and listen to GOD intently. I must accept HIS timing and methods which can be long and scary. I must trust GOD.

• Are you planning something?
• Have you asked GOD “what do you want me to do?”
• Are you staying on the course HE has laid out for you?
• Won’t you ask HIM what plan HE wants for you instead of asking HIM for help on “your” plan?

The Craziest Plan

Joshua 6: ⁴ Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. ⁵ When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”

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Spreadsheets, calculators and meetings were my tools to predict what “could” happen. Based on past events and current activity, I developed a mitigation plan that was foolproof! I submitted my plan along with my budget requirements.

Months later I had to request more money because my plan didn’t include another department head pouting nor did I foresee one of our suppliers providing inferior parts. My plan was in shambles!

• GOD laughs at my plans when they don’t include HIM.
• GOD scoffs at any prediction I make for the future.
• GOD looks at my pitiful plan and mocks it when I don’t include HIM.

It seems like even the smallest plan I have won’t come to fruition without GOD. I mean I can work my fingers to the bone but without GOD my plans will fail miserably. On the contrary, it seems like GOD’s plans won’t work. I mean pray, wait and watch don’t seem like a good plan. Maybe GOD needs my help.

• GOD tells me to stand still so I won’t get in the way.
• GOD tells me to watch HIS deliverance so I won’t think I did the work.
• GOD tells me to believe and trust in HIM so I won’t try some crazy tactic that HE will have to clean up later.

GOD’s plan sometimes doesn’t make sense to me. HE tells me to give when I don’t have, trust when things are falling apart and believe when I don’t see. I’m not always successful at it but when I do HE blesses me!

• Are you trying to get out of your trial?
• Why do you think GOD has you in this trial in the first place?
• Can you let HIM work HIS plan in you while you remain “anxious for nothing?”
• Won’t you relax, take a deep breath and believe?

The LORD guides me

Exodus 13: ²¹ By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. ²² Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

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Rushing water sound was getting closer and closer as we hiked deeper into the woods. It was getting very hilly and the canopy of the trees was thick so even during the day it was dim. Something within me said “watch your step.” As I cautiously moved forward the next step was off a blind small cliff high above rocky rushing water.

• When I stop listening to GOD HE allows me to fall into danger.
• When I fight to get my way I am blind to the pitfalls ahead.
• When I keep going on my path instead of following GOD I end up broken and beat up!

I have said this many times “GOD speaks to every person every day but many times I choose not to listen.” In fact, after ignoring HIM for long enough it seems like I can’t hear HIM at all.  When I can’t hear HIM it seems like my eyes grow dim and I can’t see the people HE wants me to serve. Then I find myself “lost.”

• GOD wants me to spend time with HIM daily so HE can guide me to a better place.
• GOD wants me to understand HIS ways so I can follow them daily.
• GOD wants me to open my eyes to see people in need to serve them.

In spite of my sinful nature, GOD guides me anyway.  Day and night HE leads me to HIS kingdom. I may run away but HE gently brings me back to HIS path.

• Are you letting GOD lead you or are you planning by yourself?
• Can GOD say “no” to your plan or are you stubborn?
• Won’t you ask GOD “where do YOU want me to go?”
• If you are in deep trouble, can’t you cry out to HIM to lead you besides still waters?

GOD’s plan for me can’t be stopped

Genesis 48: ³ Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there he blessed me ⁴ and said to me, ‘I am going to make you fruitful and increase your numbers. I will make you a community of peoples, and I will give this land as an everlasting possession to your descendants after you.’

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Sitting at my desk preparing for a meeting my boss’s boss came into my office exclaiming “The head of the department wants to meet with you. What’s this all about?” “I have no idea” was my true reply. As I sat in this rare meeting I soon found out he was asking for a favor from “me.”

The project I was working on had some personal meaning to him and he wanted special care of it. I promised and followed through with my commitments to him.  I went back to business as usual. Years later I discovered that my fast track promotions were all because he was watching over me and I didn’t even know it.

• When GOD has a plan for me, no one has the power to disturb it.
• When GOD has a plan for me, it will happen just as HE planned.
• When GOD has a plan for me, HE says “I will” which means “it will” happen.

Sometimes I think I have to do stuff to be noticed or become great, BUT GOD has a plan that is far greater than any plan I could come up with. Many times I can’t see HIM working but HE is there. HE has calculated my sins along with the sins of everyone involved and built a plan that can’t fail.

When GOD says “I will” it means HE built the plan without consulting me, and that’s a good thing! HE only has love built into HIS plan for me and my input would be sinful and selfish. I am glad GOD made the choice to include me in HIS plan.

• What is your purpose?
• Is GOD using your life or are you busy worrying?
• Can GOD have everything including your sin?
• Won’t you let GOD direct your steps and let HIM take care of the plan no matter how complicated or desolate it seems?

Time to “Break Out!”

Genesis 38: ²⁷ When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. ²⁸ As she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it on his wrist and said, “This one came out first.”²⁹ But when he drew back his hand, his brother came out, and she said, “So this is how you have broken out!” And he was named Perez.

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Sitting at my desk I broke out a book trying to teach myself the skill I was hired for.  Sneers of disappointment came from my supervisor as I fumbled my assignments. I spent hours teaching myself skills. Soon I learned more than my boss, in fact I learned more than most in the department. It took some time but it was finally my time to “break out!”

• It takes perseverance to get to the point of breaking out.
• It takes steadfast drive to get to the point of breaking out.
• It takes determination to get to the point of breaking out.

Perez literally means “Breaking out!” He was determined to be first and his determination gave him a will to succeed. What about obstacles in life? Won’t they cause me to stumble and possibly fail? Yes, but obstacles don’t mean I should give up, it means persevere with GOD.

• When I’m on the same side with GOD, I cannot fail.
• When I include GOD in my plans, I cannot fail.
• When I ask GOD “what do YOU want me to do” I cannot fail.

GOD is the only one who can make plans succeed.  HE gives me strength to keep my drive. He gives me faith to keep my determination. HE gives me protection to keep moving ahead.

• Are you facing obstacles?
• Have you written your obstacles down and asked GOD about them?
• Can you persevere to reach the point where you will break out?
• Won’t you let GOD continue to prepare you for the greatness HE has for you?

Make me successful today

Genesis 24: ¹² Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.

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Ancient Latin must have been the language my professor spoke because I didn’t understand the material. As I sat and studied I realized I didn’t comprehend a thing. I prayed “LORD please help me on this test” and guess what… I failed the test.

• When I’m in trouble I reach out to GOD but sometimes I’m too late.
• When I’m lost I reach out to GOD but sometimes I’m already in a world of hurt.
• When I’m in peril I reach out to GOD but sometimes the road I was going down is closed.

Wait a minute… you mean not all my prayers will be answered the way I want them to be answered? Yes! BUT GOD does want me to include HIM in my plans to make them successful.

• Before I go on my journey, GOD wants me ask HIM for success.
• Before I start with my plans GOD wants me to ask HIM for success.
• Before I move forward with my desires GOD wants e to ask HIM for success.

Moving ahead before GOD gives me permission seems to be my mode of operation. GOD wants me to slow down and ask HIM for “success” the way HE wants it and in HIS time.

• Do you desire something?
• Are you working hard on trying to achieve your goal?
• Won’t you ask GOD to be successful today the way HE wants you to be successful?

I’m the most humble person I know

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1 Peter 5: ⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

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As the speaker stammered over their words I thought to myself, “I can present better than that person, why am I not on stage?” I mean from the unscientific poll I took, all the people around me believe I am the better speaker and quite honestly I “deserve” to be in that spot. I met with my boss and got this response, “you’re not ready.”

“Hmph! Not ready!? They don’t know how “excellent I am!”

• When I am proud I am not pleasing GOD.
• When I think more highly of myself I am not pleasing GOD.
• When I believe I “deserve” more than what I am getting I am not pleasing GOD.

Sometimes my desires get in the way of hearing GOD. I mean I want my way so bad that I close my ears to HIM and head down my own path. When I run into trouble on my path then I turn to GOD or possibly blame HIM for my situation. Since GOD despises self-made pride, what am I to do? Should I lack confidence? Should I not speak up? GOD has another way.

• GOD wants me to give HIM credit for every idea and plan.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM what HE wants me to do with every idea and plan.
• GOD wants me to be able to accept HIM changing or stopping the idea or plan.

For a goal oriented person like myself, “failure is not an option.” I will make sure “this” thing works but it usually causes me great anxiety in the process. GOD wants me to let HIM take care of all the ideas and plans and know HE cares for me so I can let go of the outcome and pay more attention to the process HE is taking me through to grow me.

• Has your confidence turned into arrogance?
• Do you believe that if you are not there things would fall apart?
• Are you anxious about “failure” just because you said something should succeed and GOD may want it to fail?
• Can you let go of the outcome of “that” idea or plan and let GOD decide on its success?

My plans mean nothing without GOD

James 4: ¹³ Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” ¹⁴ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

¹⁶ As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.

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“Business plan” check… “Service to sell” check… “Business Cards” check… “Tools” check… “Customers” a few so “CHECK!” As I halfheartedly proceeded in my first business venture I began with what I thought were the right components. With baby on the way and a very demanding job, I wanted to strike it out on my own to “be there” for the family so my intentions were honorable.

Weekends were now spent away from the family and with my band of one I had no time to grow my business plus my job was sending me out of town next week. The business failed before it got started. What went wrong?

• When I plan without GOD my plans are headed for failure.
• Even if I have reached a level of success that is recognized by many, if the achievement was without GOD my plans are headed for failure.
• When I look into the future and develop contingency plans to thwart catastrophe, without GOD my plans are headed for failure.

Now that I am in business again I recognize something very important, GOD has the ability and the right to say “NO” or “not at all” to my plans. I could have, what I think are the best intentions but when I have not accepted the fact that my plans may not be aligned with GOD’s plans then I am prone to pout “when” they fail.

• GOD has a plan for me that is complex, purposeful and perfect.
• GOD’s plan will always be done; my plan can be done more if aligned with GOD’s plan.
• GOD knows the future of my plan and its success hinges on my dependence on HIM.

Saying “if it is the LORD’s will” means I am willing to accept “NO” for an answer. I am not rolling over and dying and preparing for a crash and burn blamed on the LORD rather my eyes are wide open to the fact that GOD has all I own. I can’t protect my family, stuff or business. GOD owns it all and has a right to do with it as HE pleases.

• Do you believe your abilities came from you?
• Do you have plans for yourself, thinking you can control your situation?
• Won’t you start your next plan by asking GOD what HE wants to do?
• Can you stop bragging about “your” accomplishments and credit them to GOD?