Plans

John 21: Follow Me

by
Journaling Through John Fall Picture leaves falling

“As for you, follow Me.” John 21:20. (NLT)

Jesus appears to some of His disciples for a third time. They are out in their boats and are not catching any fish. Jesus calls to them from the shore and tells them to throw their nets to the right side. They do what He says and their nets are filled. Peter swims to shore to be with Jesus.

Jesus asks Peter 3 times if He loves Him. Peter replies, yes each time. The third time, Peter is a little frustrated that He keeps asking Him, because He does love Him and has said yes. Jesus reply is to tell Peter, then “feed my sheep.” He is calling Peter to go and continue His ministry to people.

Another disciple is there and Peter asks Jesus, “What about him?” And Jesus replies in verse 22, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow Me.” Jesus is letting Peter know He needs to mind his own business and do what he is called to do. What the other does or does not do is none of his concern.

What a great reminder for me today. There are things God has called me to do. His plans and purposes for my life don’t match anyone else’s. What others do is not my concern. I must follow Him and obey the call and commands He has placed in my life. My life won’t look the same as anyone else’s. I can’t compare what I have done or have not done to others accomplishments.

Thank you Lord today for the plans and purpose you have for my life. I pray for a continued desire and determination to go after those things you are calling me to. May I not fall into the temptation to compare myself to others. I pray that I would keep my eyes fixed on you and follow where you go. Amen.

What is God speaking to you today in chapter 21 of John? Share your insights in the comment section below.

Day 16: Plan for Success – Proverbs 16

by
Day 16 picture of a yellow flower

“We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:1-3 (NLT)

I don’t know about anyone else, but I want to be successful. I want what I spend my time on to be something of worth. I’ve never started something and said, “I hope this all fails.” I’m a dreamer and a planner. I’m not sure those two go together, but somehow in my head they work together. I like to dream about what can be, the process and the results. And I can dream up some pretty awesome stuff!

Then, I’ve got to plan, plan, plan! In my head, I can dream the process from dream, to writing it down, to walking it out. After all that dreaming, I’ve got to take action. Sometimes I go with it and sometimes I leave it. And often this decision is based on the questions, “will it be successful?” Typically, I will evaluate if it is possible? IF it fits into my life? Is the outcome worth the work required? And of course, my insecurities kick in and I wonder if I am able and there is still part of me that worries what others will think and say.

I will continue to dream and plan, but I must leave room for God to speak into those plans and dreams. I must give Him the lead to direct, change or even veto my plans. I must keep my heart open to Him, trusting Him with my desires, fears and insecurities. And fully committing it all to Him. That is the formula to have success in all I do!

My prayer today is for continue dreams and plans led by the Holy Spirit. I pray for new and fresh vision. I open my heart for God to bring healing and to impart His desires and purposes. I pray I will succeed in all I do because I’m committing all my plans to Him. Amen.

What is God speaking to you today? Share in the comments below or join the conversation in our Journaling Through Proverbs Facebook Group.